2013 Lynch Bages
By Chateau Lynch Bages
2013 Lynch Bages from Chateau Lynch Bages, Pauillac, Bordeaux
Perched upon the storied landscape of Pauillac, the 2013 Lynch Bages from Chateau Lynch Bages narrates a tale of challenge and triumph. The year 2013 in Bordeaux was fraught with difficulties: a damp spring and a fitful summer demanded exceptional skill and decisions that would separate the good from the grandiose.
Eloquence in Adversity: The Craft behind the Vintage
The indefatigable winemakers at Chateau Lynch Bages rose to the occasion, wringing every ounce of potential from their cherished vines. The resulting 2013 Lynch Bages displays a determination and complexity that is a testament both to the resilience of the terroir and the adroit hands that nurtured it.
A Distinctive Expression of Pauillac Terroir
The concentrated efforts yielded a wine characterised by an impressive structure underlying a delicate weave of ripe blackcurrants, balanced by hints of cedar and tobacco. Though more restrained than its more voluptuous brethren from riper vintages, this vintage delivers finesse and a depth that invites contemplation. Indeed, 2013 was not a year for bombast, but for introspection and subtlety in its vinous offerings.
It would be remiss not to acknowledge the investment prospect this vintage represents. In such challenging years, discerning collectors will recognise the opportunity that 2013 Lynch Bages presents—a snapshot of history captured in a bottle, promising returns both in palette enrichment and potentially financial appreciation.
In summary, the 2013 vintage from Chateau Lynch Bages speaks to those who appreciate nuance over noise. With age, one might expect this steady Pauillac blend to unfurl further complexities, cementing its place as one of the intriguing narratives born out of an undeniably difficult year in Bordeaux winemaking.
Market price (SGD)
$1,390.00
12x75cl
Highest score
90
POP score
83
Scores and tasting notes
Cropped at 31hl/ha, a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, Jean-Charles Cazes told me that it was one of the shortest harvests because of the low yields between 1 and 12 October. The bouquet is has a pure floral bouquet that is quite Margaux-like in style. It is well defined with touches of creme de cassis and blueberry. The palate is medium-bodied with a rounded, quite succulent entry. The acidity is nicely judge and there is a cohesive finish that feels long and tender in the mouth. There is palpable linearity present here in keeping with the vintage, but there is also commendable length. Tasted April 2014.
Neal Martin - Wine Advocate - Wine Journal
Fruity, light-bodied, pleasant, lush and charming, Lynch Bages' winemaking team was hesitant to push for any kind of extraction or density because of the pressures from rot. However, they have avoided any harshness in the tannins and vegetal characteristics. The result is an uncharacteristically superficial Lynch Bages that is a modern day version of their 1973.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #214 Aug 2014
The 2013 Lynch Bages has a crisp blackberry and cedar-scented bouquet, poised and nicely focused, if simple. Nothing wrong with that. The palate is medium-bodied with good density on the entry, but I detected a green seam that nags away and upsets the finish. If that unwanted green element was not present, it would replicate the promising showing from barrel. However, it is here at the moment. Re-tasted at the property in July 2016, the bouquet was correct and there was more roundness to the texture, although there remained that slight greenness on the finish. I might not use the word "superficial" to describe this Lynch Bages. That might be too strong. But it does feel like a wine discombobulated by the challenging growing season.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 28 October 2016