1982 Chateau Lynch Bages 5eme Cru Classe, Pauillac 1x750ml

Vinous 95

I tasted the 1982 Lynch-Bages twice within a month, both at a private dinner in London and at the chateau, from bottle and double-magnum on separate occasions. Both vindicate an exceptionally fine 1982, perhaps a bit overlooked in a vintage full of stars. Curiously, the bottle in Bordeaux does not fully deliver the mesmerizing freshness and energy compared to the bottle in London: pencil-lead-tinged black fruit intermixed with clove and freshly-rolled tobacco. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins, perhaps just a little austere compared to its peers. Yet, indeed, the bottle in London exudes class and composure with a detailed, mineral-driven vintage belying that year’s unseasonably warm period. Superb. Tasted both in London at a private dinner and at the chateau. [Neal Martin, 18/07/2023]

Anticipated maturity: 2023-2045

Robert Parker 93

Tasted at Pebbles/Zachy’s 1982 dinner in Hong Kong. This is one of the best bottles of Lynch Bages that I have come across. It has a life-affirming nose of blackberry, strong graphite aromas and cedar " quintessential Pauillac. This bottle exhibits a slight floral accent that makes it more charming. The palate is medium-bodied with fine delineation and bundles of freshness. There is plenty of tobacco-infused black fruit to savour and perhaps it just dips towards the finish when its peers show more flourish. Perhaps that is a sign of its age? Still a great wine that should continue drinking well over the next decade. Tasted November 2012. [Neal Martin, 01/11/2012]

Anticipated maturity: 2013-2022