Lynch Moussas 2015

The 2015 Lynch Moussas, a blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon and 21% Merlot, has quite a refined bouquet with blackberry, cedar and pencil box aromas gently unfolding in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a fine bead of acidity, fresh and tensile if just requiring a little more depth on the sappy finish. But this feels fresh, nicely composed, unapologetically classic in style and it seems grow in the glass with aeration.

The oak steps into the frame here with greater effect, leading the nose with creamed baking spices ahead of ripe cassis and red plums. The palate has ample fleshy red-cherry and plum fruits, before smooth tannins make way for a nicely groomed finish. 79% cabernet sauvignon and 21% merlot. Try from 2021.

Fresher and juicier than some Pauillacs, there is integrity and structure to the fruit, but also a sense of fun and enjoyment. Sometimes tasting young Médocs you feel the producers are trying so hard that they have forgotten that wine is supposed to be fun, whereas with this the balance is pretty much right up there, full of pleasure with fine tannins. This continues a run of successful vintages for Lynch-Moussas. It's not the most long-living Pauillac, but is one to watch right now. Drinking Window 2023 - 2038

Another Pauillac that showed beautifully (this appellation can be variable in 2015) was the 2015 Château Lynch-Moussas. A blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon and 21% Merlot, it offers a terrific bouquet of blackcurrants, toasty oak, lead pencil, and espresso. This medium to full-bodied, ripe, sexy, yet also fresh, Pauillac has loads of charm and texture as well as a forward, fruit-loaded style that’s going to drink nicely for 10-15 years.

This is a vastly improved estate, making impressively good wines in recent vintages. The wine is structured and tannic but also packed with black-currant fruits, good acidity and spice. It will take time to develop, so drink from 2025 at the earliest.