1961 Château Lynch-Bages
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Tasting notes
The 1961 Lynch Bages came from an ex-château bottle. This is clearly superior to the 1961 Pichon Baron served in tandem, with slightly rustic, ferrous red berry fruit, hints of red brick and tobacco. There is sufficient freshness and delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with delicate, pretty red fruit, nothing powerful but quite refined, with cedar towards the slightly austere finish, just a dab of capsicum emerging with time. It pales against the 1989 or 1990 but this was a decent showing for a Pauillac that is nearing the end of its drinking window. Tasted at the 1961 dinner at Ami restaurant in Hong Kong.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
The 1961 Lynch-Bages is another wine that I have not seen for quite some time. I don’t think this is the best it can show, although there is nothing obviously at fault. It has a touch of VA on the nose that enhances the liquorice-tinged black fruit, tobacco scents emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied with a fleshy, vivacious opening. The acidity lends this sufficient freshness, nevertheless I feel that this bottle is a tad disjointed towards the finish. Not bad, but I would love to try an ex-château example. Tasted at the 1961 dinner Chairman Miaow’s in Hong Kong.
Another wine from the John Avery sale and a distinct step up from the Plince 1961. Richer and sweeter – so much so that I took it for a right-bank wine. Dark garnet colour. After a while in the glass it dried out a bit. Firm and direct. On the way down with a certain dustiness dominating the fruit but attractively savoury. And lovely when first poured. (JR)
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.