Tasting notes

2009:  Some 68% of the crop made the grand vin this year, comprising 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot.  The wine is aged in 70% new oak, 13.4% alcohol.  Pretty and lifted aromas of ripe red fruit, blackberry and mineral.  These flavours follow through on to the palate, with very fine yet persistent tannins, almost powdery, quite good complexity and length of finish.  Has typical Lynch-Bages very dry, fine tannin structure, but good fruit and freshness to carry it.  92-94 points, drink 2020-2035.  April 2010.

2007:  A blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot.  Soft, somewhat

subdued aromas aromas, but with lovely savoury minerals, dark fruits, very fine, chalky tannins, and a very dry finish.  Good complexity and length of finish, this needs to flesh out and soften its tannins.  89-92 points, drink 2012-2020.  April 2008.

2006:  A blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% each of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot, aged in 70% new oak.  Attractive, lifted aromas of plum, red cherry and currants.  Similar flavours on the palate, with very fine-yet-persistent tannins.  Very good complexity, with lovely spices and a long finish.  91-93 points, drink 2014-2025.  April 2008.

2005:  Yields of 43hl/ha, representing 60% of production, this is a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, aged in 80% new oak.  From barrel there were quite lifted and very attractive aromas showing sweet, ripe red and dark berries, with a hint of nutmeg.  On the palate the wine enjoys vibrant fruit, and is wonderfully-balanced already.  The finish is very long and fresh, with layers of complexity and no sense of heaviness.  Should evolve exceptionally.  94-96 points, drink 2010-2030+ (May 2006).  From bottle the wine showed fine-yet-reserved aromas of red fruits and minerals.  On the palate the wine is quite soft and open, albeit framed by very fine tannins.  Lovely fresh acidity and very good complexity, this is delicious already.  93 points, drink 2012-2025.  April 2008.

2004:  A blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot.  Beautiful, pure, ripe and intense aromas of musk, plum and cedar.  The wine has fine, firm structure, good intensity, acidity and balance, a lovely flavour profile and very fine, persistent tannins.  On the finish there are hints of exotic, mocha flavours.  Reminiscent of 1996.  90-93 points, drink 2012-2030.  April 2005.  A year later the wine was really coming together, showing delicate, sweet-fruited plum, rose and mineral aromas.  On the palate the wine shows good weight and intensity, with a lovely hint of mocha and spice.  Very good complexity and loads of style, this lovely Pauillac will age superbly for two decades or more.  92-93 points, drink 2009 to 2030.  May 2006.

2003:  Prior to bottling, there are ripe, powerful, smoky aromas, with some minerals and red fruits.  On the palate the wine is structured, with good fruit flavours and moderate acidity.  Well-balanced, although seems to lack intensity.  89-91 points, drink 2007-2015.  April 2005.

2002:  Quite pungent aromas of herbs, plum and tobacco.  Intense on the palate, with fresh acidity, fine tannins, good fruit and well-balanced.  Long, intense and clean finish.  91 points, drink 2010-2025.  April 2005.

2000:  Powerful and lifted aromas of minerals, ripe plum and black currants.  On the palate the wine is quite showy, but paradoxically quite reserved, with intense, sweet and powerful fruit of cassis and plum framed by very fine-yet-very persistent tannins.  Very complex and lengthy on the finish, which is quite dry but wonderfully balanced with fine, fresh acidity.  95 points, drink 2015-2035.  September 2003.

1997:  Somewhat light and unimpressive aromas, of blackcurrant, tobacco and herbs.  Lacking intensity on the palate, although the wine has sufficient ripeness it seems dilute and quite simple.  Moderate complexity, good length, this should be consumed fairly early in its life as I cannot see it developing great interest.  85 points, drink now-2009.  May 2002.

1996:  Quite reserved aromas of graphite, minerals, plum and cedar.  Lovely density on the palate, where there is ripe, pure flavours of blackcurrant, plum, cassis and cool, liquid minerals.  Very good complexity and intensity, this is a wonderful and delicious style of wine.  Great length on the finish, should age superbly.  94 points, drink 2011-2026.  February 2005.

1990:  Forward, ripe aromas of musk, red berries, plum and a hint of exotic spice.  On the palate there is a touch of toasty oak, but combining well with sweet, ripe plum and blackcurrant flavours.  Very good complexity, with fine-but-powerful tannins and a lovely dryness to the finish.  Quite a show-stopping wine.  95 points, drink now-2025.  June 2005.

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