2017, Château Lynch-Moussas, PAUILLAC, 5ème Grand Cru Classée

Bordeaux blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot.

The 2017 Lynch-Moussas has a satisfying bouquet with blackberry, briary, leather and cedar aromas that feel pure and focused. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin. It is fresh and lively, though remains classic in style with cedar and graphite on the finish. Moderate length. Just what you would expect - a well crafted Pauillac that will give two decades of drinking pleasure. 91 Neal Martin, Vinous (2019).

Black cherry, smoke, chocolate, lavender and graphite run through the 2017 Lynch-Moussas. Powerful and a touch rustic (but pleasantly so), the 2017 offers plenty of intensity and persistence. This is an especially dark, potent style of Pauillac, but there is also more than enough to hold the interest of readers for a number of years. Tasted two times. 88-91 Antonio Galloni, Vinous (2018).

Medium to deep garnet-purple coloured, the 2017 Lynch Moussas opens with herbal notes of wild sage and bay leaves over a core of warm blackcurrant, redcurrant jelly, cedar chest and pencil shavings. The medium-bodied palate is fairly chewy, with notable oak and just enough fruit, finishing with an invigorating herbal lift. 90+ Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate (2021 - 2037).

This has a successful focus on aromatics, with dark fruits on display alongside spice and damson, cassis and earth notes. Definite charm, with plenty to enjoy over the next 10 to 15 years but again we are one notch below full ripeness. 90 Jane Anson, Decanter (2019).

Drinking window: 2022 - 2040