Jamessuckling.com | JS 96
Published: Feb 13, 2017

Aromas of currants, blackberries and blackcurrants with hints of chocolate and spices. Full body, firm and silky tannins and a long and flavorful finish. Juicy and muscular wine. Needs three or four years to open. Beautiful. 

The Wine Advocate | RP 92
Published: Mar 31, 2017

The 2014 Lynch Bages was actually similar to the 2014 Pichon Baron on the nose: tight and surly at first, demanding a lot of coaxing from the glass. It eventually opens up with a mixture of red and black fruit, cedar and tobacco, gaining more harmony and intensity in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, quite linear and focused at the moment, precise if just needing a little more body and depth to evolve on the straight-laced finish. Give this Pauillac 4-5 years in bottle and it is likely to repay you. 
Drink Date 2019 - 2038

Winemaker

The key to the success of the 2014 vintage was the hot dry weather during September and October, with lovely sunny days and cooler nights. Nevertheless, one shouldn?t forget that relatively cool, dry summer in Pauillac (rainfall below 30mm), which prompted the development of remarkable acidity.

After five weeks of summery weather, harvesting began on 24 September with the Merlot plants over two consecutive days, followed by the old Merlots along with the young Cabernet Sauvignon. Following this initial phase, we decided on a break of 3 or 4 days to make the most of the exceptional weather to fine-tune the ripeness of the old Cabernets. Harvesting was then restarted on Monday 6 October, with only 3 teams this year, that is 180 harvesters to allow them time to pick with precision. Harvesting finished on 11 October after 12 days instead of the 13 initially envisaged.

During harvest, all the indicators of a great wine were present: Generous sugar levels enveloping abundant tannins, an intense colour and all nicely balanced by a lovely acidity.The wine has a deep colour and an aromatic nose; it is rich and unctuous on the palate, perfectly enveloped in silky tannins. This vintage is distinguished by a beautiful balance of power, freshness and elegance.

Ageing: Wooden barrels for 18 months (75% new oak)
Blending: 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot
Production: 68% of the harvest