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Lynch Bages 1996

Pauillac, Fifth Growth

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Tasting Notes

The 1996 Lynch Bages has a delightful fresh, minty bouquet that does not quite deliver the complexity of recent vintages, nicely perfumed with hints of wilted rose petal developing with time. The palate is well balanced with a fine line of acidity, fresh from the start with blackcurrant pastilles, a touch of tobacco with a tightly coiled, minerally, slightly sharp finish that perhaps just needs a little more depth. I appreciate that lingering pencil lead note on the aftertaste, completing a solid if unspectacular Lynch Bages. It's the kind of Pauillac I would grab from a restaurant list at the right price. A point. Tasted July 2016.

Score: 91

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2016-2036 28 October 2016

The 1996 exhibits a dark plum/ruby/purple color that is just beginning to lighten at the edge, surprisingly velvety tannins and a classic Pauillac bouquet of lead pencil shavings, cedarwood, black currants, sweet cherries and spice box. This medium to full-bodied, elegant, savory, broad wine is still five years away from full maturity. It should continue to drink well for another 10-15 years.

Score: 93

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2011-2025 31 August 2011

In the flight of young wines, with all the vintages of the nineties represented, this wine stood out for its absolute purity of creme de cassis, ripe fruit, medium to full body, high tannin, wonderful sweetness, massive richness on the mid-palate, and abundant power, density, and ripeness. It is clearly the finest Lynch Bages since the 1989 and 1990.

Score: 94

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2004-2025 01 June 2000

Dark crimson still. Lots of rich, spicy tertiary aromas. Comforting. Richer and more flamboyant than the average 1996 red bordeaux. Very satisfying.

Score: 17 - 18

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2008-2025 16 August 2010

Aromas of blackberry and fresh mushroom follow through to a full-bodied palate, with silky tannins and a medium finish.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Drink now. 35,000 cases made.

Score: 89

James Suckling, Wine Spectator 01 January 2007

Good ruby-red. Ripe aromas of currant, tobacco, leather, smoke and game. Sweetly penetrating currant and cherry flavors in the mouth; rich and nicely balanced, with a silky texture. Opening nicely. Tannins are substantial but ripe.

Score: 90

Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar 01 May 1999