1970 Château Lynch-Bages
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Tasting notes
The 1970 Lynch-Bages is served from double-magnum at the estate. It has a potent nose. Its menthol component is pretty conspicuous in this larger format. A bit rustic after five decades, yet it coheres wonderfully in the glass, with hints of black truffle, clove and pencil box emerging. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly dusty black fruit, yet the acidity imparts sufficient tension. This old-school Pauillac is a little ferrous toward the finish, yet there is backbone here. It feels long, if just a bit coarse on the finish. Drink soon. Tasted at Mr. B's birthday lunch at the château.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
It is interesting that this was the next vintage tasted in the vertical tasting, and I am not surprised given the mediocre decade of performances by Lynch Bages. Only the 1975 stands out, and that wine seems only good when compared to modern day successes. The 1970 is an old style Lynch Bages with plenty of dry tannin in the finish. Compellingly aromatic, it offers aromas of cedar wood, spice box, tobacco, earth, black currants, and new saddle leather. Spicy, concentrated, and burly, with mouth-searing tannin, this big, thick wine is a terrific example of Lynch Bages made in an older style. It will continue to last for 10-15 years, but look for it to become increasingly austere and attenuated. Anticipated maturity: now-2015.
It is interesting that this was the next vintage tasted in the vertical tasting, and I am not surprised given the mediocre decade of performances by Lynch Bages. Only the 1975 stands out, and that wine seems only good when compared to modern day successes. The 1970 is an old style Lynch Bages with plenty of dry tannin in the finish. Compellingly aromatic, it offers aromas of cedar wood, spice box, tobacco, earth, black currants, and new saddle leather. Spicy, concentrated, and burly, with mouth-searing tannin, this big, thick wine is a terrific example of Lynch Bages made in an older style. It will continue to last for 10-15 years, but look for it to become increasingly austere and attenuated. Anticipated maturity: now-2015. Jun 2000, www.robertparker.com
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.