The 2012 Lynch-Bages is a classic, structured Pauillac shaped by a dry summer and careful winemaking. With a blend led by Cabernet Sauvignon, it shows dark fruit, firm tannins, and fresh acidity. Though a bit tight in its early years, it’s gained polish and energy with time.

Jamessuckling.com | JS 92
Published: Feb 9, 2015

Aromas of blackcurrants, blueberries and lemons follow through to a full body, firm tannins and a fresh, clean finish. A little tight now but excellent. Precision to this. Back ended. Better in 2018.

Decanter | D 92
Published: Mar 3, 2022
Drink: 2022-2032

A solid-structured wine with blackcurrant Cabernet very much in evidence, though the blend contained the wine’s highest ever percentage of Merlot (26%). Proper Pauillac but a slight trace of bitterness detracts.
Closure: Natural Cork
Oak: Oaked
Grapes: 2% Cabernet Franc 71% Cabernet Sauvignon 26% Merlot 1% Petit Verdot

The Wine Advocate | RP 87
Published: Apr 30, 2015
Drink: 2015-2030

The 2012 Lynch-Bages is deep ruby/purple with tell-tale cassis notes. Medium-bodied, but somewhat foursquare and monolithic, it has well above average concentration, impressive purity and nicely integrated tannins and wood. Nevertheless, there is something bland and one-dimensional about Lynch-Bages in 2012, making it somewhat of a disappointment. Drink it over the next 12-15 years.

Jancisrobinson.com | JR 16.5
Published: Dec 11, 2014

Dark and spicy. Compact, chewy tannins but there's fine dark fruit to complete the whole. Perhaps slightly on the austere side but balanced in that style

Lynchbages.com

« All’s well that ends well. »
A variable winter and a cool rainy spring, failed to make up the water deficit that had accumulated over several years.

Hot and dry weather ensued with the occasional peaks in temperature from july 15th to september 24th further accentuating the water deficit. These particular climatic conditions brought about local difficulties, prompting disparities in maturity with small berries. Following a similar pattern to the flowering, veraison remained slow.

Our soils, consisting as they do of a combination of deep gravels and a sizeable clayey layer, allayed the negative effect of the considerable water deficit. They helped maintain a regular level of sugar even in very dry conditions. The grapes remained very healthy until the last week of september but rain at the end of the month hastened the start of harvesting on September 27th and through to October 18th.

Lynch-Bages 2012 offers an aromatic nose with fresh fruit notes elegantly mingled with touches of oak. This wine displays satisfying mouthfeel with ripe plum flavours and firm tannin structure. Good drive through the finish, excellent energy and depth with good acidity indicating fine ageing potential.

Ageing
18 MONTHS
French oak barrels (75% new wood)

Blend
71%Cabernet Sauvignon
26%Merlot
2%Cabernet Franc
1%Petit Verdot