Chateau Lynch-Bages 2018

Professional Ratings

• 98 Jeb Dunnuck

  One of the finest vintages I've ever tasted from this address, the 2018 Château Lynch-Bages has everything you look for in a great wine: incredible aromatics, richness without weight, perfect balance, and a purity of fruit that's just about off the charts. Dense purple, it reveals a glorious perfume of blackcurrants and blackberry fruits, a deep, unctuous mouthfeel, building tannin's, and a complex array of cedar pencil, tobacco, wood smoke, and chocolate. A true blockbuster in every sense, with masses of fruit and tannin's as well as moderate acidity, it will probably merit a triple-digit score in a decade and is a 50+-year wine from this team. Rating : 98+

• 97 Wine Spectator

  Vibrant, with a violet and cassis lead-in that then expands to include steeped black cherry and plum fruit as well as extra savory, iron and licorice root notes. Nice latent grip too, with a mouthwatering tug of earth at the very end. The fruit is so vibrant, it's a tease now, but there's structure here for the long haul, so be patient. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2025 through 2040.

• 97 James Suckling

  Aromas of blackberries, cloves, licorice, dried leaves, graphite and black olives. It’s full-bodied with firm, tight tannins. Structured and tannic with beautiful austerity and a long, mineral and layered finish. The tannins grow on the palate. Try from 2026.

• 96 Wine Enthusiast

  The Lynch-Bages style is un mistakeable in this wine’s richness and the density of its structure and tannins. In addition it conveys a great sense of style, restrained power and opulence. Drink this wine from 2027. Cellar Selection

• 96 Decanter

  Deep, rich black fruits on the nose followed by a powerful punch of spice alongside a ferocious tannic structure that will benefit from the extra polishing of bottle ageing. Combines tannic heft with cassis, bitter chocolate shavings, sage, cardamom and smoke. This is impressive, with a solidly confident, classic Pauillac character and a great example of the confidence of Lynch-Bages right now. Drinking Window 2028 - 2048

• 96 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

  Composed of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot, the 2018 Lynch-Bages was aged in 75% new barriques. Deep garnet-purple in color, it soars out of the glass with a magnificently expressive nose of blueberry compote, black cherry preserves and blackcurrant pastilles, plus suggestions of dark chocolate, licorice, tar and violets with a waft of hoisin. The medium to full-bodied palate is just as impactful as the nose, coating the mouth with juicy black berry and spicy layers, supported by firm, grainy tannin's and seamless freshness, finishing long with a refreshing earthiness coming through at the end.

• 95 Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
  COMMENTARY: The 2018 Château Lynch Bages is amazingly deceptive as it stays long and lasting on the palate. TASTING NOTES: This wine shows sophisticated aromas and flavors of black fruit, spice, and hints of oak. Enjoy it with a grilled Porterhouse topped with triple cream blue cheese. (Tasted: June 25, 2021, San Francisco, CA)