The medium-bodied 2011 Lynch Bages possesses a saturated ruby/purple color as well as beautiful creme de cassis notes, a generous, concentrated, well-made, medium to full-bodied style and supple tannins. A successful effort in 2011, it should be drinkable in 3-4 years and last for 15+. It is a sleeper of the vintage. 90 points

The 2011 Lynch Bages is a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot raised in 75% new oak. It has an elegant, understated bouquet compared to its peers, with pure blackberry and cedar aromas, linear and focused. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, a gentle but firm grip, with a harmonious crisp quintessential Pauillac finish with graphite lingering on the aftertaste. This is a stylish Lynch Bages, born to be drunk and enjoyed. 90-92 points

Deep rich garnet hues. Lush, refine nose of fruit with hints of cream - increasingly detailed since Jean-Charles Cazes took over. Gorgeous entry with great presence leading to a fat and threaded palate. Lovely streak of cream running on the mouth-filling and layered mid-palate. Bursting with savours of cabernet sauvignon on finish. Polished and utterly delicious. 90 points

Like Pontet-Canet, this is a château that continues to make a mockery of the 1855 classification. There’s much more Merlot in the blend than usual because it suffered less from the drought than the other varieties, according to Jérôme Le Roux, and 75% new oak because of the “tannic structure”. The result is a rich, hedonistic red blend, bursting with blackcurrant and liquorice flavours and dense, yet supple tannins. 10+ years. 95 points