Chateau Lynch Bages 2003

WEINWISSER: "Leuchtendes Granat-Rubin, im Innern dunkel, aussen recht stark aufhellend. Kalifornisches Bouquet, Orangeat, Minze, Zitronenthymian, deutlich rosinierende Noten von zum Teil überreifem Traubengut, insgesamt faszinierend, aber doch eher atypisch. Im Gaumen aussen viel Fülle zeigend, wieder eine fast schon honighafte Süsse im fetten Extrakt, im Finale dann ein Hauch Ruby-Port, in einer «heissen», fast gekochten Form (wie die Konkurrenz) und eher ein Liebhaberwein, immer mit einer Prise Erotik gepaart, bald schon erste Genussreife vermittelnd."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "A healthy, youthful dark plum/ruby/purple color is followed by a bouquet of smoke, barbecued meats, black currants and new saddle leather. With full body and sweet tannin, this 2003 is strutting its stuff. Although it is not as fine as the 1989, 1990, or 2000, it is a complex, classic Pauillac to enjoy over the next decade."

JAMES SUCKLING: "Pretty, clean, and perfumed, with a milk chocolate and berry character. Full bodied, with round and velvety tannins and a long finish. Polished and very beautiful, caressing. Pull the cork after 2014. Find the wine"

WINE ENTHUSIAST: "Considering the reputation of Lynch-Bages as a rich, polished wine, it is not surprising that, in 2003, the team of Jean-Michel Cazes and Daniel Lhose produced a superlatively ripe, opulent wine, one that could almost have come from Napa. But not quite: The fruit is compact and dense, with layers of acidity that speak more of Bordeaux than California. Imported by Diageo Chateau & Estates."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Forest floor, cedar wood, fennel, smoke and cherry liqueur scents start off the concentration of flavor, supple, round tannins and a sweet, finish filled with ripe cherries and crème de cassis. This has certainly improved over the past few years."