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2003 Lynch Bages
By Chateau Lynch Bages
2003 Lynch Bages from Chateau Lynch Bages, Pauillac, Bordeaux
The 2003 vintage in Bordeaux was a year that defied expectations, marked by an unprecedented heatwave that challenged the winemakers' skill and the vineyards' capacity to cope. Amidst this fiery season, the 2003 Lynch Bages from Chateau Lynch Bages emerged as a testament to the resilience of Pauillac terroir and the savoir-faire at one of Bordeaux's most lauded estates.
The Mark of Mastery in a Heatwave
The torrid summer placed the vineyards of Pauillac under tremendous stress, hastening ripening and necessitating meticulous management to preserve the grapes' balance. Chateau Lynch Bages, famed for consistency, transcended the climatic hurdles with a vintage that displayed both power and finesse. This coup is a paragon for collectors and investors alike, marrying audacious flavour profiles with admirable ageing potential.
Decoding 2003's Exceptional Character
In a tasting of the 2003 Lynch Bages from Chateau Lynch Bages, one encounters a splendid contradiction: a wine with the tannic backbone typical of its lineage, yet an outlier due to the vintage's unique conditions. The nose exudes blackcurrant laced with cedar and tobacco nuances—classic Pauillac markers. On the palate, it harmonises concentrated dark fruits with hints of spice and leather, leading to an opulent yet beautifully structured finale—an exemplar amid investment-grade wines from this storied region.
The maturation trajectory for this extraordinary 2003 vintage suggests it will maintain its composure in the cellar for years to come. As such, it presents itself not just as a beverage of indulgence, but as a strategic asset within fine wine portfolios. For enthusiasts who delight in the layers and complexities that time bestows upon Bordeaux blends, here lies an equitable pursuit bridging pleasure and investment sensibilities.
While distinctively muscular due to the conditions of its birth year, the 2003 Lynch Bages from Chateau Lynch Bages holds its place with grace and poise amongst its peers. It is an exquisite encapsulation of how unyielding dedication to quality prevails even when nature deals its sternest challenges—a hallmark addition to any discerning wine collection.
Market price (USD)
$1,678.60
12x75cl
Highest score
95
POP score
91.67
Scores and tasting notes
This sexy, evolved, dense ruby/purple-tinged 2003 reveals notes of smoke, herbs, black currant jam, licorice and graphite. Full-bodied, opulent and flamboyant, it is another example of a stunning 2003 northern Medoc that can be drunk now or cellared for 10-15 more years. This irregular vintage hit its zenith in the northern Medoc and in a handful of limestone terroirs in St.-Emilion. In contrast, other areas, particularly Pomerol, Graves and the sandy, gravelly soils of St.-Emilion, experienced difficulties in 2003.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #196 Aug 2011
Pretty, clean, and perfumed, with a milk chocolate and berry character. Full bodied, with round and velvety tannins and a long finish. Polished and very beautiful, caressing. Pull the cork after 2014.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, March 14th 2011
A healthy, youthful dark plum/ruby/purple color is followed by a bouquet of smoke, barbecued meats, black currants and new saddle leather. With full body and sweet tannin, this 2003 is strutting its stuff. Although it is not as fine as the 1989, 1990, or 2000, it is a complex, classic Pauillac to enjoy over the next decade.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 27 August 2014
Tasted at Bordeaux Index's "10-Year On" tasting in London. The Lynch Bages 2003 has a lifted bouquet of dark cherry, iodine, light floral scents and a touch of cassis. It is nicely defined but would benefit from more vigour. The palate is medium-bodied with a soft, plump opening. It is very smooth in the mouth with subtle meaty notes, yet the finish is missing delineation and tension. It coalesces nicely in the glass but never really lifts off like other vintages of Lynch Bages. Tasted March 2013.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2013