2013 and 2012 Lynch-Bages, Pauillac
2013 Lynch Bages may not have the quaffing quality of 2012 Lynch Bages for now, it is nonetheless the more floral wine with an even bolder, Pauillac frame. Compared to the softer 2012 Lynch Bages with tones of mint, ginseng, truffle and flint, this 2013 Lynch Bages imparts image of a stronger structure and dark, cassis profile, radiating tones of cool herbs(sage)and sweet spice(cinnamon). On the other hand, the 2013 Lynch Bages has certain rigidity and ‘tanginess’(also the same comment from James Suckling) that give a longer finish and better structure, compared to a more friendly 2012 Lynch Bages, which is easier and shorter in finish, yet giving palate shades of celery, blueberry, graphite, lavender, thyme and roasted chestnut and sweet tea.
It would seem to Team that both 2012 and 2013 Lynch Bages for now needs a nice decanting. Composition is the similar(4 grapes). Both vintages aged in 75% new French oak. A la style somewhat later harvest of Jean-Michel Cazes.
the 2013 Lynch Bages is a wine that is relatively reliable to turn to. A wine that wont really break your bank(17% cheaper than 2012 on Ep release, yet 65% less in production compared to 2012!). Same as 2012, the 2013 Lynch Bages is a wine that combines structure, finesse and elegance, which is offering generous aromas in its youth and developing some complexities with bottle age, even though it does not have lots of nuances as the other giants do on ageing. The rest is marketing. Lynch Bages transliterated from the name of a then household Cantonese opera artist in Hong Kong by the name as “Lang Chi Bak” and thus making the Chinese brand name homely 'Chinoiserie'; numerous tastings with leading wine circles here in Hong Kong; international fame; relatively low price from 1960s to 1980s.
Scores for Lynch Bages are consistent across vintages. So its quality level in the eyes of expert tasters remains almost the same. Notable comments and scores are:
95 points Wine Enthusiast
Barrel Sample. 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. (4/2014)
93 points Vinous
The 2013 Lynch-Bages is unusual but also quite pretty. In this vintage the flavors are quite dark, with distinct dark red/purplish overtones. Dried flowers, cloves and sage are some of the notes that develop with time in the glass. The 2013 finishes with lovely length and precision. The blend is 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. (AG) (4/2014)
92 points James Suckling
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. (4/2014)
92 points Wine Spectator
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. (4/2014)
