Echo de Lynch 2011, Second Wine
Deep ruby core with a medium rim. On the nose, dark berry fruit, cherry, blackcurrant, sandalwood, leather, spices and coffee aromas. On the palate, lively cherry, redcurrant, blackcurrant with hints of tobacco, tea leaves with a peppery note. This 2011 gives a medium structure, ultra-ripe tannins and reasonable fruit finish. Some 12 month's ageing in used French oak barrels adds to the complexity. The classic blending of 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc gives straightforwardness to a little diversity in taste. The high proportion of Merlot in its blending to harvest earlier (started on 12 September) and keep the fleshy palate smart. ABV is kept at 13.5%, so it should be good enough for overall balance.
No force-ageing suggested. Savour casually over 2 hours with appropriate food and friends.
Tannins of the 2011 Echo Lynch Bages may not be well resolved enough compared to its elder brother. There may be some imbalances from the structure(higher tannins, acidity, a dearth of bright fruit). Nor will this 2011 Echo developed to a succulent richness and a bouquet of minty blackcurrants and cigar boxes in the better vintages of its elder brother Lynch Bages, it can be the real joy because this Echo 2011, well put by Simon Staples of BBR UK, doesn’t take itself too seriously, and is approachable, soft, succulent, moreish and probably, a little worryingly, too quaffable.'
As we all know, it was renamed Echo de Lynch-Bages as of the 2008 vintage in order to affirm its relationship with the Grand Cru Classé. Its new name Echo refers to the nymph from Greek mythology who was deprived of speech by Hera as a punishment for distracting her when Zeus wished to consort with beautiful mortals. As such, although Echo de Lynch-Bages is not the first to speak, it shares the first wine's elegance and character.
Comments are plenty, including:
90 to 93 Points - Wine Spectator Magazine: "Features an iron spine that keeps the plum sauce, blackberry and currant fruit in check, with flickers of tobacco and charcoal on the finish. Best from 2015 through 2021." - JM (Web Only - 2014)
90 Points - James Suckling: "A wine with smoke and berry character, and ultra-polished tannins. Full body, fine tannins and a fresh finish. Very tannic. Should soften by 2019." - (February 18, 2014)
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The second wine, the 2011 Echo de Lynch Bages displays an impressively saturated ruby/purple color along with a narrow framework and breadth of flavor in the mouth, but attractive black cherry and spice characteristics. Medium-bodied and pleasant, it is best drunk over the next 7-8 years." - Robert M. Parker, Jr. (29th Apr 2014)
