Opening the Thanksgiving party with a bang! I bought a case of this jewel in Paris many years ago and crack one on special occasions. I have noticed a steady maturity in this wine and the secondary business is happening. Slightly less powerful than I wanted, perhaps age has mellowed it out. The nose was as expected, with great dark fruit still prominent. On the palate, very balanced with tame tannins still holding it together but not obtrusive. The length was decent, not great. The powerhouse I had hoped for was not forthcoming, so a bit bummed about that, but still pleased overall. I just love Lynch Bages and always look forward to opening a bottle. I would give it 5 stars and would think it merits a 92 point pro rating. I imagine my remaining bottles will last until 2016 at least.

Labelled a Bordeaux Superier and hailing from the incredible 2009 vintage, high hopes were dashed with this one.  Bland, non-fruity and boring.  Mild tannins won’t last long, neither will any traces of fruit.  Superieur is supposed to mean something, and who could screw up in ’09 from what everyone said was the ‘vintage of the [whatever]’.  I’m not buying into that.  It is proof that many French vintners are living delusional lives.  You either make good wine or you pack up, sell the farm and move on.  The sad truth is evident, in an awesome growing year, all you have to do is let the grapes mature, press them and don’t mess too much, nature has done it all for you.  These fellas didn’t get the message.  Am I being harsh?  Perhaps, but there are many wineries making sub-par wines and relying on appellation, name and vintage to get sales.  Resting on these laurels will not last long.  I will be looking for better values in the New World.  1 star and not worthy of a rating if I were a pro.