Lynch Bages 2001 Case of 12 btl.

The first bottle of this was denuded of vitality and out of sorts (indeed this is a major problem with this vintage.) Not corked, but previous experience told me that it was not “happy” bottle. Fortunately I stayed for another to be opened and this far more representative. Ripe, dark berried fruits on the nose with touches of mulberry, briary, graphite and sous-bois. The palate is medium-bodied with a crisp entry, tarry black fruits on the entry, sharp acidity, very tight but that is probably because this bottle had just been opened. Very fine.

Made in an elegant, approachable style without the blockbuster depth and meat found in the finest vintages (2000 and 1996), this is a dark plum/garnet/ruby-colored, seductive, evolved, delicious 2001. Aromas of black olives, cedar, cassis, damp earth, and licorice, medium to full body, soft tannin, and an easy-going personality suggest consumption over the next 12-14 years is warranted.