2018 Lynch Moussas

The 2018 Lynch-Moussas is definitely one of the best releases in recent years. It has an irresistible bouquet that maintains the opulence I found out of barrel, but welded with a sense of Pauillac classicism. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins, well-judged acidity and a sense of energy and focus. There is still a patina of dark chocolate from the oak that will be subsumed with bottle age, but otherwise, this is an excellent Lynch-Moussas.

A terrific effort from this estate, the 2018 Château Lynch-Moussas just about jumps out of the glass with classic Pauillac smoked black fruits, lead pencil, tobacco, and chocolate-like aromas and flavors. These all carry to a medium to full-bodied red with a supple, elegant texture, ripe, polished tannins, rock-solid balance, and a great finish. It's going to round into form with 4-5 years in the cellar (it's far from unapproachable today) and should have a solid two decades of prime drinking.

The 2018 Lynch-Moussas is a wild, somewhat rustic Pauillac. Bright red berry fruit, wild flowers, spice, blood orange, mint and white pepper lend an attractive upper register. En primeur, Lynch-Moussas was a bit more harmonious, the bottled wine appears to still be finding its center. I especially admire its vivacity and freshness.