You little beauty! I bought a case of this 2001 Bordeaux several years ago and have been patient- now, rewarded. Slight alcohol on the nose gives way to gorgeous cassis and cigar box notes. On the first taste, smooth as silk, no harsh tannins, and a mature finish showing what happens with wine as it evolves from fruit-baby to complex adult. Secondary flavors are in balance with primary fruit, with a middle aged backbone of tannins, not in your face, yet still present. Some blueberry is showing through, as is some tobacco. This is sooo totally my style of wine, I’m loving the 5 stars it gets and would imagine it deserves a 92 point pro rating.

Do you remember my post about finding some gems in Moxie’s store a month ago?  Well, here is another one, but for the life of me I can’t recall the tasting notes.  A Second Growth Bordeaux that rated very high with the pro’s, yet got some strange variations in drinking window.  A British magazine that I subscribe to gave it 4 stars yet  said it needed to be drunk in 2010 or 2011, whilst the boys on this side of the pond suggest a 2008-2030 window. Seems odd, but I’m going USA on this one.  1995 was a really good year for the French, and a wine of this pedigree should have all the parts to last a long time, evolve nicely and reward the owner for patience.  So, why did I drink it so long ago?  A party I guess, because my bottle was the large size, you know how I like to show off the Magnums!  Anyhow, I am sure it was awesome and I would have given it 5 stars etc.  etc.  etc.

Not one to take price as the arbiter, but when they use corks that are not solid, but made from the scraps of other corks- it’s a dead giveaway.  Very basic Medoc, some decent fruit, a little nose, no tannins to speak of and a very watery taste.  Even for the price, this one is a pass- not to waste the time or effort on.  I can’t say I’m disappointed, I had no expectations, and no surprises.  1 star and an 80 point for this bad excuse for wine-making.

The second bottle of Thanksgiving 2011, this one continues to bring it.  I bought 2 cases many years ago and have been opening them on a regular basis.  Whilst not a blockbuster, it offers decent fruit, a good nose and the tannins are subdued, yet holding on.  For a “Third Growth” one would expect more, but let’s not forget that the 1855 classification of Bordeaux is so totally outdated that it doesn’t mean much anymore.  The average pro rating of 86 seems a little low, but I’m not complaining- giving it 3 stars for it’s taste, balance and enjoyment.  Would I pay the current price? Not a chance, good thing I got it cheap in 2003.

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.