2024, Château Lynch Bages, PAUILLAC, 5ème Grand Cru Classé

Bordeaux Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot.

Ruby with violet edging, opens to show chalk and slate tannins, giving a sense of restraint and grip, this is savoury and juicy with plenty of cassis fruits, delivers Pauillac consistency in an inconsistent vintage, and also it is just rather delicious. 75% new oak. 3.67 pH. 94 Jane Anson

Floral and herbal on the nose with dark bramble fruit. Very Cabernet. Milk chocolate and vanilla too. Charming and relaxed with lovely tannin finesse. There’s ripeness and richness, this is silky with some fleshiness that adds a layer of texture but overall feels gentle and calm. Some bite at the end, wet stone and liquorice but actually this feels very complete. I like this expression, really not trying too hard. Sophisticated. Balanced. Nothing sticks out and although there’s tension and a sense of high, lean acidity the tannins do well to balance it out. This will be very enjoyable. Accomplished winemaking. 3% Petit Verdot completes the blend. Ageing 75% new oak for 18 months in French oak barrels. 3.67pH. 94, Georgina Hindle, Decanter.

Drinking Window: 2030 - 2048