Château Lynch-Moussas 2017

Open-knit, with a core of damson plum and bitter cherry fruit, framed by a slight woodsy hint and showing iron and singed cedar notes on the finish. Displays the fresh fruit of the vintage but remains slightly grainy in texture. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2021 through 2029. 15,000 cases made.

Appealing, classic nose displaying aromas of plums, cinnamon, cedar and dark chocolate. Smooth, satin-like tannins with spicy edges and a vibrant acidity.

A very fine, polished 2017 with chocolate, walnut and spice. Just a hint of raw meat, too. Medium to full body, silky tannins and a savory finish. Orange peel, too. A blend of 81% cabernet sauvignon and 19% merlot. Needs two or three years to soften.

Deep greyish crimson. Darkly fragrant. But the palate is rather slim and short of flesh so it finishes dry even though the tannins are light. Perhaps it will fill out in the middle with a little longer in barrel? (JH)

Medium-bodied, with a top note of tobacco, cedar, pepper, and herbs that comes along with fresh, bright, crisp, spicy red fruits. Classic in nature, give this at least 5 or more years and it could be an even better wine.

Deep dark ruby, with purple reflections and a delicate bright rim. Discreet fine oak spiciness, balsamic nuances, some nougat, dark berry confit, and fresh orange zest. Juicy, with nice sweet fruit, elegant and spicy, with integrated tannins, subtle nougat, and toasty aromas on the finish. Persistent, and a complex food wine.

Kunz barrel sample 18: (22% Merlot, 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 51 hl/ha) Velvety, sweet, powerful bouquet, blackberries, black cherries, dark caramel, coffee beans, smoke. Velvety, finely opulent palate with creamy fruit, plenty of fine tannins, powerful, sweet aromatics, dense structure, long, aromatic finish with sweet echo. Can still gain further complexity.

(22% Merlot, 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 51 hl/ha) Velvety, sweet, powerful bouquet; blackberries, black cherries, dark caramel, coffee beans, smoke. Velvety, finely opulent palate with creamy fruit, plenty of fine tannins, powerful, sweet aromatics, dense structure, long, aromatic finish with sweet afterflavours. Can still improve. 17/20 2024 - 2040

The 2017 Lynch-Moussas is medium to deep garnet-purple in color. It prances out with pretty scents of ripe black cherries, kirsch, and redcurrant preserves, plus suggestions of lilacs, fallen leaves, and menthol. Medium-bodied, elegant and refreshing, the palate has a solid structure of firm tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with great length.

Supple, with more pronounced evolution in both color and flavor than others during our blind tasting. This vintage will be surprising as it ages.

The nose is fine and delicate, yet very pleasantly fruity. On the palate, the cru is balanced, with juicy fruit. Long and savory on the finish, it is a worthy representative of the estate’s new style.

Direct attack, a sappy, fresh wine with a hint of licorice and a vegetal note, supple tannins, long finish.

The bouquet of Lynch-Moussas first reveals its élevage through notes of vanilla and coffee. The fruit is also present with nuances of raspberry. On the palate, the wine is delicate, slightly creamy, and perfectly balanced. Good balance between structure and tannins. The latter are fine and well integrated. They promise good ageing potential, though the wine can certainly be enjoyed in its youth.

Fragrant and very pleasant wine, with medium body and length.

Owned by the prominent Castéja family, this wine reflects signs of the estate's improvement. It has structure without great weight, celebrating fruit as much as tannin. That means it will develop quickly, and is likely to be ready from 2023.