Château Lynch Bages - Pauillac 2003

Wine Spectator

92 / 100

byJames Molesworththe6/12/2018

Offers warm cassis and black cherry notes infused with smoldering charcoal and roasted cedar details. Supple and fine-grained, with lingering tobacco and prune hints. Appealing now, though the vibrancy has been cooked out a bit. Drink now through 2025. 35,000 cases made.

Wine Advocate

94 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe8/29/2014

A healthy, youthful dark plum/ruby/purple color is followed by a bouquet of smoke, barbecued meats, black currants and new saddle leather. With full body and sweet tannin, this 2003 is strutting its stuff. Although it is not as fine as the 1989, 1990, or 2000, it is a complex, classic Pauillac to enjoy over the next decade.

Wine Advocate

95 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe8/31/2011

This sexy, evolved, dense ruby/purple-tinged 2003 reveals notes of smoke, herbs, black currant jam, licorice and graphite. Full-bodied, opulent and flamboyant, it is another example of a stunning 2003 northern Medoc that can be drunk now or cellared for 10-15 more years. This irregular vintage hit its zenith in the northern Medoc and in a handful of limestone terroirs in St.-Emilion. In contrast, other areas, particularly Pomerol, Graves and the sandy, gravelly soils of St.-Emilion, experienced difficulties in 2003.

Wein Wisser

18 / 20

byRené Gabrielthe5/2/2008

Wine Advocate

89 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/24/2006

One of the most popular wines of Bordeaux seems to be going through a period where the style seems lighter, and there is less muscle and mass, but perhaps it’s just a temporary transition. Certainly there has been no truly profound Lynch Bages since the 2000, preceded by the 1996, 1990, and 1989. Showing better than it did from cask with some toasty oak, moderate quantities of creme de cassis fruit, lower acidity, and a hint of cedar in an evolved style, the medium to full-bodied 2003 Lynch Bages does not lack for tannin and structure but finishes surprisingly short for a top vintage in the northern Medoc. It is very good, but falls short of outstanding. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2020.

Wine Spectator

92 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe3/31/2006

A wine with silky, refined tannins and delicate fruit. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a lovely long, textured finish. This builds on the palate. More subtle than I remember. Best after 2011. 35,000 cases made.

Wine Advocate

88-89 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/29/2005

This offering is a surprisingly finesse-styled Lynch Bages with some similarities to the brilliant 1990, but without that vintage’s power and depth. The 2003 possesses a deep ruby/purple-tinged color as well as notes of road tar intermixed with creme de cassis, meat, and leather. It is a nicely textured, medium-bodied wine with some attractive opulence, but not the pure depth and chewy richness one expects of Lynch Bages in top flight vintages. It should be drinkable early because of the elevated glycerin, alcohol, and low acidity. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2016.

GaultMillau

89-92 / 100

the6/30/2004

Elaboré dans un style rigoureux, le vin se présente fermé, mais l'élevage lui donnera de l'ampleur

Wine Advocate

88-90 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/29/2004

After tasting the 2003 Lynch Bages on four separate occasions, I came away believing it is excellent, possibly outstanding, but not one of the greatest efforts from this estate. Made from yields of 43 hectoliters per hectare, this blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot exhibits a saturated ruby color with purple nuances. Fragrant cassis, currant, earth, and oak aromas are followed by a medium-bodied offering with excellent depth, low acidity, and a plump, round, juicy style. If it fills out, it will merit an outstanding score, but at this stage, it is well behind the level of the fabulous 2000. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2018.