Château Lynch-Moussas 2016

A restrained style, with a sanguine note leading off for a mix of gently mulled damson plum, loganberry and red currant fruit flavors. Supple in feel, with perfumy cedar and alder notes guiding the finish. Not as vivacious as the top examples, but some folks will prefer this style. Best from 2023 through 2034. 15,000 cases made.

Peppery, earthy nose with cedar under mint and blackcurrant. Firm tannins supported by wonderful black fruit concentration, and balancing freshness and precision. Nominated by Natalie Earl.

Aromas of currants, mushrooms and dried fruit. Full body, round and lightly chewy tannins, and a long, fresh finish. Nice, earthy complexity at the end. Needs two to three years to soften. Better after 2022.

Tasted blind. Looks quite evolved. Smells quite evolved. Not very serious but very forward and well judged. (JR)

Medium-bodied, with smoke, thyme, mint and bright red fruits on the nose, the wine is medium-bodied, fresh, crisp, and just a touch herbal on the finish, delivering a classic Pauillac profile.

Dark ruby, opaque core with discreet brightening on the rim. Nougat and caramel on the nose, dark berry conserve, a touch of dried fruit. Juicy and sweet, subtle black olive aromas, integrated tannins, good sweetness, overall somewhat loosely knit with dark nougat and dominant wood on the finish. Showing development, but with certain ageing potential.

pure nose blending red and dark berries, a hint of graphite, coffee bean and gentle oak. Medium-bodied palate, still youthful, with high acidity but ripe tannins, discreet fruit and good length; classic style, still needing time to open.

The 2016 Château Lynch-Moussas is a fine Pauillac and has a pretty, classic, elegant style that’s very much in the character of the vintage. Ruby-colored, with notes of tobacco, leafy herbs, and graphite, it has fine tannins and, again, an undeniable elegance and classic style. Drink it over the coming 15-20 years.

Deep carmine red. Fragrant red cherries and an intense flinty note, with cranberry and leather in the background. An elegant palate with firm tannins and a finely austere texture, plenty of power, and a very long finish with dried fruits.

Kunz barrel sample 17: (83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 48 hl/ha) Sweet, velvety, opulent bouquet of cassis, plum, mocha cream, and vanilla. Creamy, full palate with powerful, sweet aromatics, a velvety, plush structure, good tannins, sweet fruit, and a long, full finish. Has room to improve further.

(83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 48 hl/ha) Sweet, velvety, opulent bouquet with cassis, plum, mocha cream and vanilla. Creamy, full palate with powerful, sweet aromatics, a velvety, plush structure, good tannins, sweet fruit and a long, full finish. Has room to improve further. 17/20 2022 - 2038

The Lynch-Moussas 2016 has a deep garnet color. It opens with cedar and baked plum notes, followed by hints of redcurrant jelly, black raspberries, sautéed herbs, and tilled soil, plus a touch of tobacco leaf. Medium-bodied, the palate is chewy and a little lean, with an herbal lift on the finish.

Broad and rich, long, very seductive, indulgent and fresh, with a beautiful, intense length.

2016 is a very fine success here. As is often the case at this stage, the oak has not yet completely faded. Nonetheless, there is substance, and the whole is promising.

Deep nose of red fruits, exotic wood, floral. Fresh, vibrant palate with very elegant, deep tannins.

Garnet red with slight purple highlights. The bouquet of Lynch-Moussas is still marked by its élevage. With a bit of aeration it manages to reveal its fruit, and I find notes of raspberry and blackcurrant. On the palate, the wine also first reveals its élevage. It has a suave touch and is slightly creamy. The tannins are finely grained and provide solid support, while the structure lends freshness. A wine that needs to gain in fruit expression and, above all, to integrate its oak. Nonetheless, it is promising! To be followed.

The best ever made. Dark, intense color, showing very slight evolution. Fine nose, moderately aromatic, fruity, with hints of coffee and a creamy touch. Precise on the attack, suave through the mid-palate, particularly perfumed and complex, the wine gains in the finish. It ends long, sappy and deep, with fine tannins. It’s very good.

This smoky wine offers a fresh black-currant flavor and attractive acidity. It is well balanced, with good synergy between fruit and the structure. While it is not a blockbuster, it is ripe, fruity and likely to age well. Drink from 2024.