2016 Echo de Lynch Bages

The 2016 Echo de Lynch Bages was a real surprise - in a good way. It offers attractive blackberry, briar, pencil shaving and light floral notes on a nose blessed with fine lift and focus. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-boned tannins, conveying a sense of symmetry and precision. While not overly complex or profound, there is clearly some prudent, considered winemaking behind this excellent wine. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting.

The second wine of the estate is the 2016 Echo de Lynch Bages, mostly Cabernet Sauvignon blended with 27% Merlot, all aged in once-used barrels. Classic dark fruits, graphite, licorice, cedarwood, and subtle oak all emerge from this medium-bodied, balanced, layered Pauillac. With terrific purity, drink this while you do your best to stay away from the grand vin.

The 2016 Echo de Lynch-Bages has a straightforward bouquet, not complex but focused, featuring red currant, briar and light floral scents; there is a light wet clay aroma in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin and fine acidity. This feels rounded in the mouth and quite pure. A hint of white pepper emerges toward the finish. Lovely, but early drinking.