Les Hauts de Lynch-Moussas Haut-Médoc 2018 - Second Vin

Bettane & Desseauve

About the domain :

Philippe Castéja has worked hard to restore a superb family estate in the Pauillac hinterland. The aging of the vines and the construction of a high-performance work tool enable him to produce a supple, fleshy wine that is constantly improving. Its terroir enables it to open up before most of the wines in its appellation, which should make it more present on restaurant menus, with good value for money.

Decanter

About the wine:

They achieved a healthy yield of 50 hl/ha in 2018, yet the power is quite clear in the glass. It shows notes of spice, along with hints of fig and prune that suggest high levels of ripeness. But there's also blackcurrant and loganberry, with bramble fruit that, for me, always indicates a good level of juiciness. A hint of saltiness brings the fruit back to its classic, sculpted signature. Very good.

Guide Hachette des vins

About the domain :

Owned since the 18th century by Count Lynch, until it was divided in two, giving Lynch Moussas and Lynch-Bages. Émile Castéja, who joined the family in 1919, took over the estate in 1969 and restructured the vines and winery. His son Philippe has been at the helm of this 35-hectare cru, close to Batailley, also owned by the Castéja family, since 2001.

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the domain :

For several years now, Philippe Castéja has been giving new impetus to this classified growth. Oenologist Denis Dubourdieu has carried out extensive work on the estate, starting with the reorganization of the vineyard. Over the last few vintages, the wines have progressed and the château benefits from technical facilities that should enable it to go even further. Lynch-Moussas produces a relatively fine, medium-bodied wine that can be drunk fairly quickly.

James Suckling

About the wine:

Lots of cherry, blackcurrant, herbal and chocolate notes. A little rust too. Medium-bodied, with firm tannins and a medium finish.

Vert de Vin

About the wine:

The nose is fresh and fruity. There are notes of ripe blackcurrant, crushed strawberry and, to a lesser extent, violet, licorice, combined with hints of morello cherry and star anise, a very discreet hint of toastiness and an imperceptible hint of roasting. The palate is fruity, well-balanced and very discreetly tight, with an acidic structure, juiciness and tension, as well as bright/ripe fruit, a little unctuosity and energy. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of bright blackcurrant, bright morello cherry and, more lightly, ripe wild raspberry, combined with hints of ripe wild red berries, as well as hints of star anise, licorice, caramelization, toastiness and an imperceptible hint of vanilla (in the background). The tannins are precise and a little firm. A very discreet hint of crushed ripe almond on the finish.