95+

Antonio Galloni

Vinous

The 2005 Lynch-Bages is a surprising wine. Whereas so many 2005s have begun to enter their first plateau of early maturity, the 2005 comes across as still young and in need of further cellaring! The purity of the fruit is striking. Readers who want to get the full Lynch-Bages experience will have to wait at least a few more years. The 2005 is a wine of substance and depth, with all of the raciness that is typical of this wine. It is one of the dark horses of the vintage, and still has room to go. Impressive. 04/2021

93

Neal Martin

Vinous

The 2005 Lynch-Bages is more opulent on the nose with camphor-tinged black and red fruit, desiccated orange peel and sage. With time, it develops a lovely floral component. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannins, bold and brassy with plenty of substance. This is no shy retiring wallflower but rather a demonstrative, almost flamboyant Pauillac with layers of black fruit laced with white pepper on the finish. Maybe it is a bit brash for some? But give this time because it will ultimately mellow. Tasted at the Lynch-Bages vertical at the château. 06/2021

93+

Stephen Tanzer

Vinous

Bright ruby-red. Expressive, classic aromas of currant, mocha, smoke and camphor. Rich, broad and ripe but impressively young, offering flavors of dark berries, chocolate, spices and smoke enlivened by firm acidity. This coats the palate nicely on the long finish, with tannins that are riper and sweeter than those of the 2006. Mai 2008

92

Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Robert Parker/Wine Advocate

As for the 2005 Lynch-Bages, it is a sexy, surprisingly soft and accessible style of wine, with a deep ruby/purple color, loads of crème de cassis, cedar wood and forest floor notes, medium to full body, ripe tannin and a long, fleshy finish. Drink it over the next 15+ years. 06/2015

93

Jeb Dunnuck

Jeb Dunnuck

The 2005 Château Lynch-Bages is terrific, with a ripe, yet also surprisingly elegant profile in its medium to full-bodied aromas and flavors of blackcurrants, smoked tobacco, graphite, and leather. A blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot, it has ripe, nicely integrated tannins, good balance, and is already surprisingly accessible. I would drink bottles any time over the coming 10-15 years. 04/2024

96

James Suckling

James Suckling

A meaty and decadent Lynch with very ripe currant aromas on the nose. Full body, velvety-textured tannins and a powerful finish. It shows so much structure and fruit yet remains polished and focused. Lovely now to drink but better in 2017. 11/2015