2024 Chateau Lynch-Moussas 5eme Cru Classe, Pauillac

Shows length and structure in a linear, compacted way with blueberries, blackcurrants and hints of lemongrass. Medium-bodied and racy. Cool fruit. 78% cabernet sauvignon and 22% merlot.

The 2024 Lynch-Moussas is a potent, deep wine. Black cherry, lavender, clove and licorice convey an impression of somber intensity. There's gorgeous textural depth and resonance in the glass. This is a fine effort for the vintage. Classy. 

A bright and very pure red-berry fruit – loganberry and raspberry – mark this out as they are far from common in the wines of the appellation in this vintage which it typically darker berry fruited. But with aeration, the fruit profile darkens a little with the arrival of damsons and purple plums. This is fresh but the acidity is very well managed and balanced, the oak very moderate and the result is a finely-finessed wine that will drink well young. The tannins are not as refined as, say, for Batailley, but there’s a sense of Pauillac authenticity than here I like very much. 

An estate that has been quietly improving its expression of Cabernet Sauvignon classicism over the past few years, and here you'll find sappy, bright redcurrant, blackberry and raspberry fruit, a little leafy but with good length and soft campfire smoke, and an unfussy expression of the appellation. 58% new oak for ageing.

Cedar, cigar wrapper, and black, with red currants are already starting to shine in this medium-bodied, soft, expressive, vibrant, chewy, charmer. The refreshing touch of mint leaf in the finish adds a nice complexity. The wine blends 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 22% Merlot.13.5% ABV. Drink from 2027-2045.

The 2024 Lynch-Moussas was matured in 58% new oak. The bouquet is quite expressive with touches of violet borrowed from Margaux. The oak is nicely integrated and crisp black and blue fruit unfold in the glass. Medium-bodied with saturated tannins, this is quite a bold and comparatively precocious Pauillac with a thickly-textured finish. It will be interesting to revisit this once in bottle.

78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot. Cask sample. Fresh with a leafy edge. Round on attack then firms up on the finish. Assertive structure. Some potential. (JL)