Description
Chateau Lynch-Bages 2013
Château Lynch-Bages is a renowned Pauillac estate on Bordeaux’s Left Bank, classified as a Fifth Growth in 1855 and owned by the Cazes family, often described as a “super‑second” in quality. In the challenging 2013 vintage, the team lowered yields and tightened selection to produce a wine with clean structure, pure fruit, floral lift and classic cedar, in a more linear, elegant style that suits early to mid‑term drinking.
Vinification & Style
Origin: France, Bordeaux, Pauillac.
Blend: Approx. 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, with yields around 31 hl/ha to protect concentration in a difficult year.
Hand‑harvested (around 1–12 October), fermented in temperature‑controlled stainless‑steel tanks, then aged in French oak (about 70% new), adding cedar, spice and a touch of smoke while preserving freshness and clarity of fruit.
Tasting Notes
Colour: Deep ruby with garnet hints at the rim, bright and clear with moderate‑plus depth.
Nose: Blackcurrant, blackberry, redcurrant and raspberry, lifted by violet and dried rose, with cedar wood, pencil shavings, subtle smoke and spice (clove, black pepper), plus a hint of iron and orange peel; more elegant and refined than massive.
Palate: Medium to medium‑plus body with fresh red and black fruits, lively acidity and fine but firm tannins. The mid‑palate shows cedar, smoke, spice and a faint saline‑mineral note; texture is straight and supple rather than heavy. The finish is medium‑long, with cassis, flowers, light caramel and iron tones, in a clean, classic Left Bank profile.
Critic Scores & Notes
James Suckling: 92 points — “A pretty and tangy Lynch with lemon and orange peel with hints of red fruits and hints of iron. Full to medium body, with firm tannins. Bright finish. Chewy. Lively finish.”
Wine Enthusiast: 94 points — “This has a palpable dry element, with the black currant flavor cut by dark chocolate. It has strong tannins and power. It will need to age.”
Vinous (Antonio Galloni): 93 points — “Unusual but also quite pretty… dark red/purplish overtones… dried flowers, cloves and sage… finishes with lovely length and precision.”
Wine Spectator: 91 points — “The plum pit frame lends an austere feel, but the core shows good plum and black cherry fruit while the finish picks up savory and charcoal notes. This has the character of the vintage and keeps everything balanced.”
Robert Parker / Wine Advocate:Robert Parker, barrel score: 86–88 points.
Neal Martin, bottle: about 87 points — medium‑bodied, with fresh cassis, thyme, cedar wood and earthy notes, finishing tangy, bright and spicy with red plum and cassis.
Decanting: At current age, 45–60 minutes is recommended.
Serving Temperature: 16–18°C.
Food Pairing: Grilled or roasted rib‑eye/sirloin, black pepper beef, braised oxtail or beef short ribs, herb‑crusted lamb rack, roast pigeon, roast goose, soy‑braised beef with noodles, and richer cheeses such as Comté, mature Cheddar and Mimolette.
Special Info: Although 2013 is not a blockbuster vintage, Lynch‑Bages delivers a well‑balanced Pauillac that most major critics place between the high‑80s and mid‑90s, emphasizing purity, freshness and typicity—black fruit, flowers, cedar and a mineral edge—over sheer power. It is an excellent choice for experiencing the estate’s character without long cellaring, drinking well now and over the next 5–8 years.
Origin: France, Bordeaux, Pauillac
Type: Red Wine
Grape Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot (approx. 72/20/6/2)
ABV: About 13% (check bottle)
Volume: 750ml
