2011 Lynch Bages

72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Aged for 15 months in oak barrels (65% new). Deep colour. Dark fruit and graphite nose. Plenty of freshness. Punchy tannins but the fruit is there. Not the most flamboyant wine, even a little backward but there’s substance. (JL)

The 2011 Lynch-Bages has a well-defined nose with tightly-wound black fruit laced with mint and graphite. This certainly needs time in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with supple, fleshy tannins. It's open and generous with black cherries, wild strawberries and touches of orange rind. There's good substance, and it's fleshy on the finish. The 2011 is quite a delicious Lynch Bages. Tasted at the Lynch Bages vertical at the château.

The 2011 Château Lynch-Bages is based on 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot that was brought up in 75% new oak. It's certainly not up to the all-time greats at this estate, but it is nevertheless an outstanding, elegant, nicely balanced Pauillac with plenty of classic darker currant fruits, some tobacco and lead pencil notes, nicely integrated tannins, medium-bodied richness, and a lengthy finish. It's in its prime drinking window yet has another 10-15 years of longevity.