Chateau Lynch-Bages 5eme Cru Classe, Pauillac 2000

Beginning to open magnificently, the still dense purple-colored 2000 reveals a blossoming bouquet of blackberries, cassis, graphite and pen ink. Full-bodied with velvety tannins that have resolved themselves beautifully over the last eleven years, this wine is still an adolescent, but it exhibits admirable purity, texture, mouthfeel and power combined with elegance. One of the all-time great examples of Lynch Bages, the 2000 is just beginning to drink well yet promises to last for another 20-25+ years.

This was a gorgeous showing by the 2000 Château Lynch-Bages, and this appears to be smack in the middle of its prime drinking window based on this bottle (which was more youthful than a bottle from my cellar). Still ruby/plum-hued, it has a pure, intense nose of darker currants, leafy tobacco, freshly sharpened pencils, and incense, which is classic Pauillac goodness. This carries to a full-bodied Lynch-Bages that has flawless overall balance, a seamless, surprisingly elegant mouthfeel, beautiful tannins, and a great finish. This was closed and hard to read a few years after release and over the following decade or more, but the last few bottles I've had have all showed remarkably open and accessible. I'd be shocked if it didn't continue drinking brilliantly over the coming 20+ years.

Another wonderful 2000 coming out of its long sleep. Beautiful aromas of berry, tobacco, herb and spice that follow through to a full palate with round, textured tannins and lots of fruit.

Deep ruby, softening in colour around the rim, packed with pencil lead, cigar box, slate, mint leaf, chewy tannins, great quality with an innate confidence. Has walls to scale, and a ton of life ahead, an exceptionally enjoyable 2000 vintage that remains young. 70% new oak.