Wine Reviews

This is the second wine of Lynch Bages.  It is a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc.  Most of the 2018's tried were riper and more "modern" for lack of a better descriptor.  This seems more "old school" with less alcohol.  Purple in color, opaque and bright.  The nose is nice with cassis, black cherries, graphite, slight leather and char.  Medium bodied.  On the palate, there are tart black cherries, medium tannins and just a bit of smoke.  A slightly clipped finish.  This could use a bit of time, maybe a couple years, but should drink well for ten to twelve

Another wine to turn to when looking for value in top vintages of Bordeaux.  Purple in color, ruby at the rim, opaque and bright.  The nose is nice with cassis and plums and slight leather and char.  Medium to full bodied.  On the palate, this is firm tannins.  A velvety texture.  Lots of cassis fruit with underlying leather and slight char.  Good acidity.  Nice finish.  This needs another five to eight years to approach maturity and should drink well for ten to fifteen after that.  This will work well with grilled or roasted meats (or vegetables).  

This is a new one for me.  Apparently, Les Griffons de Pichon Baron is one of the second wines of Pichon Baron.  It hasw been produced since the 2012 vintage.  The grapes come primarily from gravelly plots of land near to the Gironde estuary.  A blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon and 48% Merlot.  Purple in color, opaque and bright.  The nose is very tight, but with air, there is cassis, black cherries, spice and a hint of chocolate.  Much more open on the palate.  Medium tannins.  Good acidity.  Cassis and black cherry fruit with some spice.  Nice finish.  This needs another five to eight year

From the great 2018 vintage, this is one that is drinking quite well at this young age with just a bit of air.   It is a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot.  Purple in color, opaque and bright.  The nose is nice with cassis, cinnamon, spice and black cherries.  Full bodied.  On the palate, this is showing a nice depth and complexity.  Delicious.  Medium but firm tannins.  Flavors of cassis, leather, spice and slight dry earthiness.  Good balance.  Nice finish.  This will continue to mature over the next five to seven years, but drinks well now and will for the n