Chateau Lynch Bages 2015

Chateau Lynch Bages 2015

95-96 Pts Suckling, 93-95 Pts Wine Advocate

12×75 – £870 EP
 6×75 – £435 EP

IG Wines offer a choice of bottling for en primeur orders, see below.

En Primeur Expected Spring 2018 

Lynch Bages 2015 has just released for £870 per case of 12 bottles, a 33% euro increase on last year and a 41% ex-London increase. Lynch Bages 2015 has been awarded 95-96 points from James Suckling, 93-95 points from Neal Martin and 91-94 points from Antonio Galloni, who calls it ‘a total knock out.’

Lynch Bages is ranked by Harper’s Magazine as the fifth best estate to buy en primeur since 2004, providing a return of 37%. The 2015 is an exceptional wine, a wonderful Lynch Bages. Today’s release presumably offers the following rationale: 2015 is significantly better than 2004, 2006, 2007 and 2008 and as such should be priced accordingly! Furthermore, it is a great Lynch like the 2009 and 2010 which all trade at £1,100, and therefore, at £870 per case today’s price represents a 21% discount.

Lynch Bages rises perennially from barrel to bottle, due to its global acclaim, it has a strong traditional market in old Europe and the US. It was one of the earliest Bordeaux wines exported to Hong Kong; since 1989 it has been served in the First Class cabin of Cathay Pacific Airlines, the international flag carrier of Hong Kong. Jean-Michel Cazes was one of the first proprietors to promote Bordeaux wines in Asia, travelling there for 20 years and cementing Lynch Bages’ brand globally. It strong global demand drives prices upwards, for example, the 92 scoring 2005 costs £1,100 and the 93 scoring 1996, £1,400.

Lynch Bages is situated in the small sub-village of Bages, a wonderfully picturesque setting which contains their hotel and museum, as well as a delightful square; this is certainly one to visit. High on the west hill of the Pauillac region, the 90 hectares of vines are planted on deep gravel beds covered with limestone. Lynch Bages, originally classified as a Fifth Growth, is arguably the most dominant member of the Super Seconds. It is known for combining powerful rich tannins with tobacco and cedar; it takes years in the bottle to exhibit its true splendour, with top vintages capable of ageing for 30-50 years. Martin says Lynch Bages 2015 will ‘offer three decade[sic] of pleasure.’ It surely will, Lynch Bages makes very special wine in great vintages and the 2015 is stunning!

Also released and available:

• Pichon Baron 2015, 12x75cl, £995 – 96-98 Pts
• Clos Fourtet 2015, 12x75cl, £710 – 96-97 Pts
• Domaine de Chevalier Rouge 2015, 12x75cl, £470 – 96-97 Pts
• Malartic Lagraviere Rouge 2015, 12x75cl, £350 – 93-97 Pts
• Cantenac Brown 2015, 12x75cl, £340 – 93-96 Pts
• Leoville Poyferre 2015, 12×75, £570 – 95-96 Pts
• Franc Mayne 2015, 12×75, £215 – 93-95 Pts
• Gruard Larose 2015, 12x75cl, £480 – 90-92 Pts
• Phelan Segur 2015, 12x75cl, £300 – 91-93 Pts
• Duhart Milon 2015, 12x75cl, £500 -90-92 Pts

Click HERE for a review of the Bordeaux En Primeur 2015 Campaign to date.

James Suckling, 95-96 Points
Very classic styled Lynch with pretty ripe fruit and tannin balanced. Full body, firm and chewy tannins yet polished and refined. Alcohol and fruit balance are lower than other top years and give this wine freshness and energy.

Neal Martin, 93-95 Points
They 2015 Lynch Bages is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot that was picked from 23 September until 2 October, matured in 75% new oak. There is an overwhelming sense of purity on the nose: perfumed, almost floral blackberry, wild strawberry, graphite and cedar scents, unmistakably Pauillac in style. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannin, a keen citrus thread that impart tension and ample freshness. Tasting this as the first wine of the day, it instantly refreshes the mouth and leaves it tingling with energy after it has departed. This is an excellent, top-grade Lynch Bages that deserves 8-10 years in bottle and then will offer three decade of pleasure, maybe more.

Antonio Galloni, 91-94 Points
A total knock-out, the 2015 Lynch Bages is racy, sumptuous and super-expressive. Raspberry jam, mocha, dark spices and leather flesh out as the 2015 shows off its broad, ample frame and inviting personality. The 2015 is a decidedly dark, flamboyant Lynch Bages with enough depth to drink well for several decades. Although a bit atypical, the 2015 Lynch Bages is nevertheless quite attractive.

To buy this wine please click here or telephone +44 (0)203 195 8055. Offer subject to availability. 

En Primeur – Why buy through IG Wines:

• We only work with the largest and best financed negociants in Bordeaux
• We guarantee delivery of all wines purchased en primeur
• We are owned one third by a large family office and very well-financed
• Since our foundation in 2011 we have grown our client base to over 1,500 private clients in ten different countries

IG Wines offer a choice of bottling for en primeur orders:

• Bottles (12x75cl or 6x75cl) – No Charge
• Halves (12×37.5cl or 24×37.5cl) – £12.00 per case
• Magnums (6x150cl or 3x150cl) – £7.00 per case
• Double Magnums (3 x 300cl) – £50.00 per case
• Imperials (1 x 600cl) – £25.00 each