Chateau Lynch-Moussas 5eme Cru Classe, Pauillac 2010

The 2010 is a strong effort and one of their best wines in a generation or more. Some toasty oak seems relatively strong, but not excessive. Deep ruby/purple, notes of black fruits as well as red currants, fig and plum are all present. The wine has a good bit of flesh, fat, but then shuts down in the finish, with moderately high tannins. By all counts, this is an excellent Pauillac that just needs a few years of cellaring to resolve some of its oak and tannin, but has the potential to be outstanding if given sufficient bottle age. It should last for two decades. Lynch Mousses has never been one of my favorite wines, but the Casteja family, who own nearby Batailley, have definitely upgraded quality at this estate.

• Drinking Window: 2013 - 2033
• Reviewer Name: Robert Parker
• Review Date: February 2013