The 2020 Lynch Bages, a Bordeaux Blend from the Pauillac region of France, is a highly acclaimed wine that demonstrates the expertise of its producer, Lynch Bages. This vintage is the first to be made in the estate's new, state-of-the-art cellars, which has clearly influenced its reception among professional reviewers.
James Suckling awarded this wine a near-perfect score of 99, describing it as "beautifully layered" with "blackcurrant, hazelnut, and lead-pencil character." He notes its "fine, velvety tannins" and advises that it will be "better after 2027." (jamessuckling.com, 12/28/2022)
Decanter also praised this vintage, giving it a score of 98. They highlighted its "high definition winemaking" and "Pauillac swagger," noting its "bright and lively" palate with "juicy, mouthwatering acidity." The reviewer described it as "perfectly weighted with incredible delectability and drinkability." (Decanter, 1/3/2023)
Jeff Leve of The Wine Cellar Insider rated it 97, emphasizing the wine's "peppery spices, mint, cigar box, cassis, blackberries, cedar, and creme de cassis." He described it as "full-bodied, fresh, long, deep, intense, powerful, and chewy," predicting it will age well for decades. (TheWineCellarInsider.com, 3/21/2023)
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded it 95+, noting its "aromas of crème de cassis and blackberries" and its "seamless, integrated profile." The blend includes more Merlot than usual, reflecting the yields of the vintage. (Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 4/6/2023)
Jeb Dunnuck rated it 96, describing it as "ripe, powerful, full-bodied" with "serious concentration" and "terrific balance." He suggested it will need at least a decade to reach its prime. (jebdunnuck.com, 3/29/2023)
Vinous also gave it a score of 96, praising its "beautifully-defined bouquet" and "fine tannins." The reviewer noted its "saline note on the finish," which they found superb. (Vinous, 2/9/2023)
Wine Enthusiast rated it 98, highlighting its "bold black fruits" and "dense, textured tannins." The reviewer noted the wine's "extra precision" and "beautiful black currant flavors." (Wine Enthusiast)
Jane Anson also awarded it 98, describing it as "pure Pauillac" with "slate and pencil lead on the finish." She noted its "mouthwatering finish" and "classic" character. (janeanson.com, 11/29/2022)
Wine Spectator rated it 96, praising its "cassis and violet notes" and "waves of black cherry and blackberry fruit." The reviewer suggested it will be best from 2026 through 2040. (Wine Spectator, 11/30/2022)
The Wine Independent also rated it 96, noting its "deep garnet-purple color" and "warm scents of cassis, blueberry preserves, and juicy blackberries." The reviewer highlighted its "solid structure of grainy tannins" and "great tension." (The Wine Independent, 6/29/2023)
Overall, the 2020 Lynch Bages is a highly regarded wine with a range of scores from 95 to 99, showcasing its complexity, depth, and potential for aging.