Lynch Bages - Pauillac 2015

Vinous

96

byNeal Martinthe8/2/2023

The 2015 Lynch-Bages has a very complex bouquet with layers of blackberry and bilberry fruit, crushed stone, cedar and graphite. It becomes earthier with aeration, with a hint of cough candy in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-boned tannins. This is intense, backward, almost surly, yet the finish has incredible precision and persistence. Not to be underrated. Tasted at the Lynch-Bages vertical at the château.

Vinous

93

byNeal Martinthe7/10/2019

The 2015 Lynch-Bages has a fresh, vibrant bouquet of blackberry, graphite, cedarwood and just a touch of spice. The palate is medium-bodied with fresh acidity and well-balanced, but not quite as complex as the aromatics augur. While I like the precision here, it just does not kick in as I expected. Tasted blind at the Southwold 2015 Bordeaux tasting.

Vinous

96

byAntonio Gallonithe2/27/2018

One of the finest Pauillacs of 2015, Lynch-Bages is rich, racy and voluptuous. A rush of dark red and purplish stone fruit, mint, new leather, spice and blood orange give the 2015 a very decidedly exotic character that is impossible to miss. Raspberry jam, mocha, new leather and expressive floral notes appear with time in the glass, rounding things out nicely. Even though the 2015 is quite forward and open at this stage, the wine has plenty of stuffing as well as the underlying structure to support many years of exceptional drinking. This is a stellar showing for Lynch-Bages.

Wine Advocate

92

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe2/22/2018

Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2015 Lynch Bages offers up crushed black berries, black cherries and dried herbs with an earthy undercurrent. The medium-bodied palate is firm and taut with lively fruit and a chewy finish.

Wine Spectator

94

byJames Molesworththe2/15/2018

This has an ample core of plum, fig and blackberry compote flavors, underlined liberally with graphite and smoldering tobacco notes. Fleshy and focused, with ample grip through the juniper- and tar-accented finish. Well-built. Best from 2023 through 2038.   –JM

Jamessuckling.com

95

byJames Sucklingthe2/12/2018

Brambly and attractive ripe blackberries and red-plum aromas with some floral accents, too. The palate has a very plush, polished and regal shape as tannins frame up a core of ripe black fruit. Succulent, impressive finish. Best from 2022.

Decanter.com

94

byJane Ansonthe1/26/2018

This is a beautiful dark, rich purple colour, still with vivid en primeur edging. The nose is closed right now, and the tannins lend a certain austerity. After a few minutes, the loganberry and blackberry notes come through, along with liquorice and fresh mint leaf. Although the tannins remain insistent, the light begins to filter in. This is an excellent Lynch-Bages which displays the solid masculine frame that has become more apparent over the past few years. It's clearly going to age extremely well. 75% new oak. one-third of the wine underwent malolactic in barrel.

Jeb DUNNUCK

94

byJeb Dunnuckthe11/30/2017

Jancis Robinson

17

byJulia Harding MWthe11/8/2017

Very dark, very sweet – seems simpler than the Ch Pichon Baron tasted immediately before. Maybe this shows how much they need a new chai? Fine and dense but there is a slight green note to this.

The Wine Cellar Insider

92-94

byJeff Levethe4/30/2016

The nose is quick to present tobacco, moist forest floor, smoke and vanilla. With a deep ruby color, this wine is fresh with a core of cassis, black cherry, earth and a dollop of olive tapenade. The tannins are crisp and clean, leaving you with a gust of sweet cassis in the finish. Produced from 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, this wine is aging in 75% new, French oak barrels, reaching 13.5% alcohol with a pH of 3.62

Wine Advocate

93-95

byNeal Martinthe4/29/2016

They 2015 Lynch Bages is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot that was picked from 23 September until 2 October, matured in 75% new oak. There is an overwhelming sense of purity on the nose: perfumed, almost floral blackberry, wild strawberry, graphite and cedar scents, unmistakably Pauillac in style. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannin, a keen citrus thread that impart tension and ample freshness. Tasting this as the first wine of the day, it instantly refreshes the mouth and leaves it tingling with energy after it has departed. This is an excellent, top-grade Lynch Bages that deserves 8-10 years in bottle and then will offer three decade of pleasure, maybe more.

Decanter.com

93

bySteven Spurrierthe4/27/2016

Superb nose of black fruits showing exuberant ripeness. It’s very robust on the palate, a hallmark of Lynch-Bages, but a hint of silkiness and freshness remains. This has a good future ahead. 2023-2045

Vinous

91-94

byAntonio Gallonithe4/27/2016

A total knock-out, the 2015 Lynch Bages is racy, sumptuous and super-expressive. Raspberry jam, mocha, dark spices and leather flesh out as the 2015 shows off its broad, ample frame and inviting personality. The 2015 is a decidedly dark, flamboyant Lynch Bages with enough depth to drink well for several decades. Although a bit atypical, the 2015 Lynch Bages is nevertheless quite attractive.

timatkin.com

94

byTim Atkin MWthe4/20/2016

Jancis Robinson

17

byJancis Robinsonthe4/19/2016

Two thirds of the crop. 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot. Much deeper crimson. Minerals and spice - a very winning combo - on the nose. But bone dry on the end after some pretty dry tannins. Very solid but needs time. Drier than many vintages. Still pretty tight. Drink 2026-204017+

Wine Enthusiast

94-96

byRoger Vossthe4/15/2016

Barrel Sample. This wine is sumptuous, ripe and generously fruity. It has a black core of dry plum skin and spice. The richness is topped by acidity, forming a contrast with the tannic core. 95 points

Jamessuckling.com

95-96

byJames Sucklingthe4/5/2016

Very classic style Lynch with pretty ripe fruit and tannin balanced. Full body, firm and shew tannins yet polished and refined. Alcohol and fruit balance are lower than other top years and give this wine freshness and energy.

Wine Spectator

92-95

byJames Molesworththe4/3/2016

This is packed with juicy currant, black cherry and blackberry fruit carried by warm stone and graphite notes. Offers lovely sweet spice hints through the finish, which is fleshy and integrated. Really sappy and intense, yet the smooth structure lets it all glide through beautifully.—J.M.