Château Lynch-Bages 2016

Appellation: Pauillac, Bordeaux, France

Classification: Fifth Grand Cru Classé 1855

Ownership: Cazes family

Grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon predominantly, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot

Vintage: 2016

Origin and background

The 2016 vintage, marked by a hot, dry summer followed by a cool, long autumn, enabled the grapes to reach optimum ripeness. Château Lynch-Bages, situated on the deep gravelly soil typical of Pauillac, delivers a powerful, structured and elegant wine, true to the reputation of this grand cru.

Tasting

Colour: Deep red with purplish tints.

Nose: Intense and complex. Aromas of ripe black fruit (blackcurrant, blackberry), black cherry, spices (pepper, liquorice), woody notes (cedar, tobacco) and mineral nuances.

Palate: Full, velvety attack. Powerful but fine tannins, perfectly integrated. Rich, dense mid-palate, fruity with balanced acidity. Long, persistent finish, with spicy, slightly smoky notes.

Scores :

- Wine Advocate: 95/100

- Vinous: 94/100

- James Suckling: 95/100

Suggested pairings

Ideal with grilled or roasted red meats (rib steak, fillet of beef), roast lamb or leg of lamb, roast poultry (guinea fowl, duck), as well as rich stewed dishes (daube, civet). It also goes well with mature hard cheeses (Comté, Manchego) or slightly blue-veined cheeses.