The 2011 Lynch-Bages is a classic Pauillac with rich dark fruit, fresh acidity, and firm tannins that promise great aging potential. It’s not flashy yet — a bit reserved and structured — but full of substance and elegance. Perfect for those who appreciate a balanced wine with a solid backbone, this one will reward patience in the cellar.

Decanter | D 96
Published: Feb 19, 2021
Drink: 2021-2040

One of the clear standouts where the fruit has real depth and is laced with black chocolate, liquorice, cassis as well as cassis bud. Cabernet dominant, will some angularity to the tannins but this is high quality, and has a floral lift and juiciness to it. A food vintage, because acidities are pretty high, but this delivers one of the best wines of Pauillac. New optical sorter used this year. 65% new oak, 2% Petit Verdot completes the blend. 66% of production in the first wine.
Closure: Natural Cork
Alcohol: 13.00%
Body: Full
Oak: Oaked
Grapes: 3% Cabernet Franc 72% Cabernet Sauvignon 23% Merlot

Jamessuckling.com | JS 93
Published: Feb 19, 2014

A dense, chewy wine for the vintage, with plum, currant and blackberry character. Full body, polished tannic texture and a bright finish. Very pretty indeed. This needs time to soften. Try in 2019.

The Wine Advocate | RP 90
Published: Apr 30, 2014
Drink: 2017-2032

The medium-bodied 2011 Lynch Bages possesses a saturated ruby/purple color as well as beautiful creme de cassis notes, a generous, concentrated, well-made, medium to full-bodied style and supple tannins. A successful effort in 2011, it should be drinkable in 3-4 years and last for 15+. It is a sleeper of the vintage.

Jancisrobinson.com | JR 16.5
Published: Feb 25, 2025
Drink: 2023-2035

72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Aged for 15 months in oak barrels (65% new).
Deep colour. Dark fruit and graphite nose. Plenty of freshness. Punchy tannins but the fruit is there. Not the most flamboyant wine, even a little backward but there’s substance.

Lynchbages.com

« The Rite of Spring »
2011 was a curious year with a remarkably warm and dry spring. Consequently, flowering took place early and in fine conditions.

July was cool and saw some rain, while August was mixed, cooler than average overall but with some heat spikes and some storms. September was warm and dry enabling the grapes to ripen fully.

Harvest began at Château Lynch-Bages (almost a fortnight earlier than in 2010) on September 12th and ended on September 28th.

Equipped with a new de-stemming system and an optical sorter, a complementary reception chain was tried out, receiving exclusively the harvest from plots deemed the most difficult or the most heterogeneous.

After two powerful, sunny vintages, 2011 is outstanding for its display of well ripened fruit, fine, plump tannins, and a good freshness to ensure classic balance.

Ageing
18 MONTHS
French oak barrels (65% new wood)

Blend
72%Cabernet Sauvignon
23%Merlot
3%Cabernet Franc
2%Petit Verdo