Appellations

Lynch Moussas 2018

Pauillac, Fifth Growth

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Tasting Notes

The 2018 Lynch-Moussas is definitely one of the best releases in recent years. It has an irresistible bouquet that maintains the opulence I found out of barrel, but welded with a sense of Pauillac classicism. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins, well-judged acidity and a sense of energy and focus. There is still a patina of dark chocolate from the oak that will be subsumed with bottle age, but otherwise, this is an excellent Lynch-Moussas.

Score: 92 Neal Martin, Vinous.com Maturity: 2022 - 2040 Date: 22 August 2021

The 2018 Lynch-Moussas, matured in 60% new oak, has an opulent bouquet of high-toned blackberry and blueberry fruit tinged with iodine. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent ripe tannins and a fine bead of acidity. This is quite a heady Lynch-Moussas, as you expect from this vintage, but one that conveys seductive roundness and voluptuousness. It just needs to watch that new oak on the aftertaste; the wood came across a bit strongly on one sample, while another showed impressive harmony.

Score: 91 - 93 Neal Martin, Vinous.com Maturity: 2022-2040 Date: 01 November 2019

A terrific effort from this estate, the 2018 Château Lynch-Moussas just about jumps out of the glass with classic Pauillac smoked black fruits, lead pencil, tobacco, and chocolate-like aromas and flavors. These all carry to a medium to full-bodied red with a supple, elegant texture, ripe, polished tannins, rock-solid balance, and a great finish. It's going to round into form with 4-5 years in the cellar (it's far from unapproachable today) and should have a solid two decades of prime drinking.

Score: 93 Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com Maturity: 2025 - 2045 Date: 19 July 2021

Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Lynch-Moussas offers up delicate scents of ripe red and black currants, black raspberries and tobacco leaf, with emerging hints of cardamom, potpourri and tilled soil. The medium-bodied palate is soft and fruity, delivering a refreshing line and an appealing savory finish.

Score: 90 Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2022 - 2035 Date: 16 July 2021

The 2018 Lynch Moussas is deep garnet-purple colored and begins with cedary scents giving way to cassis, warm plums and raspberry coulis with hints of oolong tea, Marmite toast, sautéed herbs and charcuterie. The full-bodied palate gives a good core of muscular fruit with firm, grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and savory.

Score: 91 - 93 Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Date: 23 April 2019

This is certainly not as concentrated as some Pauillacs in this vintage, and the acidity perception is a little higher too, but it’s a good Lynch Moussas, successful on its own terms – although the 2016 is perhaps a little more Pauillac in character. It’s bouncy and full of flavour, with redcurrant and raspberry fruits joining smoked cedar notes. The tannins build through the palate alongside some tobacco notes, leading to a coffee-bean finish. It has a fresh 3.6pH, putting the emphasis on juice and no doubt helped by the 50hl/ha yield. Tasted on several occasions.

Score: 91 Jane Anson, Decanter.com Maturity: 2025-2038 Date: 15 April 2019

Very pretty and bright fruit, such as blackcurrants and blackberries. Full body and tight, firm tannins that are polished and beautiful. Gorgeous.

Score: 93 - 94 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com Date: 11 April 2019

The 2018 Lynch-Moussas is super-expressive and very nicely woven together. Bright red berry fruit, floral notes and silky tannins give the wine striking persistence to match its understated personality. All the elements are impeccably balanced in a wine that is so harmonious and elegant in the early going. The blend is 72% Cabernet Sauvignon and 28% Merlot. Tasted two times.

Score: 91 - 94 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com Date: 01 April 2019