2006 Chateau Lynch Bages 5eme Cru Classe, Pauillac 1x750ml

Vinous 91+

(a blend of 79% cabernet sauvignon, 10% merlot, 10% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot; 3.54 pH; 6.03 g/l total acidity; 81 IPT; 13.2% alcohol): Fully saturated bright ruby. Currently in a slightly dumb phase and aromatically compressed on the nose, revealing cool blackberry and cassis aromas with extended aeration, complicated by notes of cola, flowers, red cherry and sweet spices. Then soft, round and ripe in the mouth, with persistent flavors of black cherry, cassis and cinnamon. A very serious wine offering impressive definition and very good balance, turning almost austere at the back, but with a pretty, pristine quality to its repeating floral and black fruit notes. Finishes with smooth, building tannins: don’t even think of opening this beauty for another eight to ten years. One of the best vintage for Lynch-Bages in recent memory. [Ian D’Agata, 01/01/2012]

Robert Parker 94

Tasted blind at Southwold ’06 Bordeaux tasting. I have always felt that the Lynch Bages ’06 was one of the real treasures of the vintage and this blind tasting verifies that belief. It is ripe and very pure on the backward nose with subtle touches of tobacco and cigar box. Refined and understated. The palate is full-bodied, very well balanced, toasty new oak but there is sufficient ripe black tarry fruit to support it. Great weight and persistency on the structured, dense, masculine, edgy finish. Excellent. Returning after 15 minutes I find this so elegant and brimming with tension. Do not under-estimate this Lynch. Tasted January 2010. [Neal Martin, 01/01/2010]