1998 Lynch Bages
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Tasting notes
The 1998 Lynch-Bages shows less aging, and the fruit here is darker and more compact than others in this era: blackberry, wild hedgerow, cedar and a touch of wild mint. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly rustic tannins, blackberry, briary, iron rust and an underlying bitterness that just dries out the finish a little. This is quite a serious Lynch Bages, and I would drink this in the near future. Tasted blind at the Lynch Bages vertical at the château.
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More reviews and scores
The 1998 Lynch Bages has a simple nose that to be honest, would be outshone by even modest recent vintages. Light tobacco and smoke-tinged black fruit, pencil shavings and a slight starch-like scent emerge from the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin. It lacks the cohesion and svelte texture of recent vintages, a little dried blood towards the finish that feels rustic and sharp. Drink in the near future because this will not go anywhere. Tasted at the château.
Slightly austere, leafy and herbal, the fresh 1998 lacks concentration, fat and fruit depth. It reveals a hint of herbs interwoven with attractive red and black currant aromas, but the wine falls off on the palate, and requires drinking up as it is likely to become increasingly desiccated.
About the producer
Ch. Lynch-Bages is one of the largest and best properties in Pauillac, in the Médoc. While officially classified as a Fifth Growth estate, it regularly competes with the First and Second Growths when it comes to quality and ageability.