2000 Chateau Lynch-Bages 5eme Cru Classe, Pauillac 12x750ml

Vinous 94+

71% cabernet sauvignon, 16% merlot, 11% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot; 5.5 g/l total acidity; 13.3% alcohol): Deep ruby-red. Knockout aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, mocha and cedar complicated by scorched earth and tobacco. Big, ripe and dense, with flavors similar to the aromas and a seamless, rich texture. Though powerful and rich, with a sensual mouthfeel, it maintains a graceful, light-on-its-feet quality. Finishes with ripe, fine-grained tannins and excellent length. Still an infant, but clearly a great vintage for this property. [Ian D’Agata, 01/01/2012]

Robert Parker 94

Tasted blind at Bordeaux Index’s 2000 tasting in London. This is more taciturn on the nose than Pontet-Canet ’00, but is well defined with some lovely savoury, chestnut and black truffle aromas developing in the glass. Touches of damp moss/lichen. The palate is full-bodied with firm tannins, gentle grip, foursquare but good weight, blackberry, graphite, leather and cedar, chewy towards the dry, structured finish. Very fine, perhaps a little broody and introverted at the moment. But great potential. Drink 2016-2040. Tasted March 2010. [Neal Martin, 03/01/2010]

Anticipated maturity: 2016-2040

JancisRobinson.com 17.5

Enormously sweet with an edge of iron filings. Richer, deeper than the 2001 served alongside. (JR) [06/11/2021]

Anticipated maturity: 2012-2035