2021 Château Lynch-Bages, Pauillac, Bordeaux

Cabernet Sauvignon 67%, Merlot 25%, Petit Verdot 5%, Cabernet Franc 3%.

The vast, gleaming new winery here has enabled the team to deliver much more precision on a plot-by-plot basis – a real gain in 2021. What stands out is the density of texture and tannin. The wine starts with the customary cassis and cedar notes, but on the palate it’s surprisingly compact and structured. These are all extremely encouraging pointers; there are resonances of the very successful “lighter” years like ’14 and ’08. A wine of real depth and quality, this will certainly reward some ageing.

Drink 2028 - 2045

Our score: 17.5/20

Berry Bros. & Rudd