1985 Chateau Lynch-Bages, Pauillac, 6ltr [Exposed Cork]

DR97 "A classic example of what the very best of Bordeaux should be, loaded with everything you want from mature Pauillac: cedar, cigar box, menthol, a touch of red fruit and the kind of feeling that you are finally home. In the two dozen or so times I've drunk this wine it has never been anything short of spectacular. Textbook. There is no benefit from waiting, but there is also no rush. (Drink between 2025-2030)" GB for DR Feb 2025

RP95 "Tasted single blind at the 1985 Bordeaux horizontal, the 1985 Chateau Lynch Bages was pitted against two other wines, both First Growths, and it more than held its own. In many ways it is a forerunner for the brilliant 1989 and 1990 that Jean-Michel crafted, though the 1985 has always been more elegant and comely in style. The nose is impressive after three decades with melted tar, a touch of peppermint and delineated black fruit that seem to gain intensity with each passing moment in the glass. Strangely those secondary notes of bay leaf and dried herbs make way for more primal fruit-derived scents with aeration! The palate does not disappoint. Medium rather than full-bodied, beautifully defined tannins and supremely well-judged acidity, this Lynch-Bages is just so well balanced. Hints of black truffle and sandalwood unfold towards the finish that has disarming purity and great persistence. If you want to know why the 1855 Classification screwed up placing Lynch Bages as a Fifth Growth - taste the wonderful 1985 and then the 1989 and 1990. Tasted July 2015." NM for TWA Jul 2016

WS95 "I have had great and less great bottles of this vintage over the years. The 1985 was the magazine's Wine of the Year in 1988. Today it shows loads of fruit, with blackberry, licorice and fresh herb character. Full, round and velvety. Long and delicious.--Lynch-Bages non-blind vertical." JS for WS Nov 2007

VM95 "The 1985 Lynch-Bages has long been one of my favorite vintages from this decade. The bouquet is very elegant—one of the best I have encountered—with mint and cassis aromas on the nose along with pencil shavings joining the chorus line with time. The palate is medium-bodied with plenty of freshness, salinity and lovely symmetry on the finish. This is superb. Tasted at the WIMPS X-mas lunch at La Trompette. (Drink between 2024-2044)" NM for VM Mar 2025