Lynch Bages 1995

Pauillac, Fifth Growth

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Tasting Notes

A dense ruby/purple hue is accompanied by reticent, restrained aromatics suggesting earth, herbs and subtle fruit. The wine hits the palate with a brutal, tannic overlay, but behind that are impressive levels of black and red fruits. As is the case with many 1995s, the wine’s structural components still dominate, which makes one wonder if these cuvees will ever shed enough tannin to be charming and enjoyable to drink. Certainly depth, weight and richness are all present, but the tannins remain elevated and somewhat foreboding. (89+ Points)

Score: 89

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 31 August 2011

This is a beautiful wine with an evolved personality and low acidity. The wine exhibits abundant quantities of earthy, smoke and tobacco-tinged, black currant fruit, rich, concentrated, medium to full-bodied flavors, and moderate tannin in the long finish. It is successful, but nowhere near full maturity. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2020.

Score: 91

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2005-2020 30 June 2000

On the three occasions I tasted the 1995 out of bottle it came across in an elegant, restrained, 1985/1953 Lynch Bages style. While attractive and soft, with obvious tannin in the background, the 1995 is not made in the blockbuster style of the 1996, 1990, 1989, or 1986. Deep ruby-colored, with an evolved nose of sweet, smoky, earthy, black currant fruit, this fleshy, round, seductive, fat and fruity Lynch Bages should drink well young, yet age for two decades.

Score: 90

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2000-2015 01 February 1998

Dark lustrous ruby. Very burly, round and bloody. A little uncomfortable on the finish - vegy/acid. Sweetness first but not very resolved.

Score: 16 - 17

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2009-2018 09 November 2010

A wine that continues to improve with age. Shows loads of ripe plum, almost prune, with hints of vanilla and mineral. Full, chewy and tight. Still needs time.--Lynch-Bages non-blind vertical. Best after 2008.

Score: 94

James Suckling, Wine Spectator Maturity: 2008+ 01 January 2007

Very good red-ruby color. Floral, nutty aromas of black cherry and iodine; as with the '96, one can smell the char of the barrels. Sweet and smooth on entry, then a bit tougher and less obviously ripe than the silkier, more voluminous '96, with a slight green streak and an impression of stronger acidity. The tannins here are a bit more spiky. Finishes with a note of pepper. In a typical, drier Pauillac style, a bit like the '88.

Score: 89

Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar 01 May 1998