The 1996 Lynch Bages was the leading vote getter in January’s Pick My Next Bottle survey. The winery is located in Pauillac, and is designated a 5th growth as determined by the classification of 1855. At release time, the wine received a rating of 93 points from the Wine Advocate.
I purchased this bottle on release and the cork was in perfect condition when I opened it. The wine was decanted for an hour and served with marinated flank steak.
Ruby in color and just starting to fade ever so slightly on the edges. 13% ABV. Cedar, pencil and sweet pipe tobacco on the nose. Pure black currants, cassis, graphite, cigar box, wet earth, mushrooms, smoke, leather and coffee on the palate. Textbook Pauillac! The wine is rich, young and taut. Great texture and mouthfeel. There are definitely some secondary characteristics developing here but there is still a great sweetness of fruit that shines through. Well stored bottles of this wine will easily age gracefully for another 10-20 years. My rating: 95 points.
Current vintages of Lynch Bages including the 2006 and ’08 can be found for under $100. The ’09 and ’10 will be significantly more expensive.
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Thanks for the notes. Always interested in thoughts on BDX as I don’t drink it very often.