Chateau Lynch-Bages 2020

Lynch Bages CC - this wine was imposing on the nose with classy blackcurrants, cherries and grated dark chocolate. Dense and abundant on the midpalate, vibrant and in perfect balance, strikingly complex and multilayered. Long and lush aftertaste. Great effort. 95-96p.

Ruby. Blackberries, cassis, blueberries, scented, lifted, rich and deep nose, floral violets nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, dark fruits, red berries, detailed and layered, intense yet bright, juicy, detailed, stunning layers, firm and structured yet mouthwatering. Incredible wine! 97-99

Full bottle 1,315 g. Cask sample taken 16 April. 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc. Merlot was picked from 14 September (nine days earlier than in 2019) over five days. Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot were picked 21 to 29 September. This is the first vintage to be made in Lynch-Bages' new winery. 18 months' ageing in barrel (75% new) is envisaged.
Very deep, dense blackish purple. Suave, flattering nose with good freshness and precision. Marked tannins underneath (more so than its stablemate Haut-Batailley). This is less the old, spicy, comfortable pair of slippers Lynch-Bages and seems to be heading in a deliberately purer, 'cooler' direction. Impressive undertow and persistence, but with interesting top notes such as tobacco leaf. Very ambitiously dry on the finish.

Intense purple colour with violet hue and black core. Intense aroma reminiscent of ripe dark berries, meaty with a discreet hint of fine leather, gingerbread spices and very fine toasting aroma. On the palate freshness and persistence, ripe tannins, elegant flavour expression, multi-layered character with excellent length.