2011 Chateau Lynch-Moussas 5eme Cru Classe, Pauillac

The 2011 Lynch Moussas was served after Batailley instead of before...a bold statement! It was picked between 12th and 21st September and consists of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Merlot and cropped at just 36hl/ha. It has a very fine bouquet with pure dark berries, a touch of tobacco and cedar; nicely composed with a touch of cassis evolving after five minutes in the glass. The palate is very well balanced with more succulent tannins than usual on the entry. This Pauillac has good weight and fine balance with the thread of acidity nicely entwined through that blackberry and touch of pain grille. This is a bold Pauillac, certainly a Lynch Moussas that desires to transcend the limitations of the growing season. Tasted April 2012.

Has a nice gutsy feel, with mouthfilling licorice snap, blackberry cobbler and cassis flavors, all framed by singed apple wood. Lots of briary grip on the finish.-J.M.

The 2011 Lynch Moussas is a very good effort from an estate that is making better and better wine, although it does not yet rank alongside the top Pauillacs. This mid-weight, ripe effort exhibits a deep ruby/plum/garnet color along with an attractive perfume of berry fruit, cedarwood and a touch of tobacco leaf, crisp acidity and moderately well-integrated tannin. Enjoy it over the next 10-12 years.

Dark ruby-purple. Penetrating floral and forest floor notes complicate aromas of blackcurrant and minerals. Big, dense and suave, with bright flavors of crystallized blackcurrant, coffee and cocoa. Finishes with mounting tannins that remain just this side of dry, and a stony tang that keeps the wine juicy.

Also recommended, but no tasting note given.

Drink 2018-2028 Lots of vanilla sweetness at first, then cherries and plums but oak char too. Pretty dense and tough and a strong malty note on the finish. Very tough on the finish. (JH)

Deep garnet. Fragrant, a touch cedary, cassis leaf, meaty. Lively, fresh and with velvety texture. Firm but smooth. But there's a nice bite on the finish. Pleasant. (JH)