Lynch Bages 1988

The 1988 Lynch Bages has a slightly more intense nose than the previous bottle six years ago, mainly black fruit mixed with subtle pencil shaving and chimney soot scents, a little Saint-Julien in style. After a few minutes, there's a touch of all sorts and fish scale. Certainly, it is less flamboyant than either the 1989 or 1990. The palate is now fully mature with pliant tannins and black fruit commingling with meat juices and licorice. It's a little sweeter than expected for a 1988 Left Bank on the finish. Overall, this is perfect to drink now. Tasted at the 1988 Bordeaux dinner at Noble Rot Mayfair.

One of the big surprises is how delicious this wine has turned out. It is a beautiful, classic claret. Dark ruby-colored with purple hues, it reveals aromas of dried herbs, smoke, leather, grilled meats, and copious black cherry and currant fruit. Medium-bodied, powerful, rich, and surprisingly evolved, this vintage has hit its plateau of maturity, where it should remain for another 10-12 years.

One of the big surprises is how delicious this wine has turned out. It is a beautiful, classic claret. Dark ruby-colored with purple hues, it reveals aromas of dried herbs, smoke, leather, grilled meats, and copious black cherry and currant fruit. Medium-bodied, powerful, rich, and surprisingly evolved, this vintage has hit its plateau of maturity, where it should remain for another 10-12 years.92 points Drink 2000-2012

Lynch-Bages is the biggest wine produced in the northern Medoc in 1988. The saturated black/ruby/purple color suggests excellent ripeness and plenty of concentration. The bouquet exhibits roasted black-raspberries and currants, as well as an earthy, robust character. Full-bodied and rich, with an attractive cedary, herbaceous, black fruit character, this fleshy, broad-shouldered wine characterizes the style of the chateau, and also avoids the harsh astringency that plagues many 1988s. Moreover, it remains a notable value. Anticipated maturity: Now-2010. Last tasted, 6/93.90 points Drink 1993-2010