2000 Château Lynch-Bages, Pauillac, Bordeaux

This was a gorgeous showing by the 2000 Château Lynch-Bages, and this appears to be smack in the middle of its prime drinking window based on this bottle (which was more youthful than a bottle from my cellar). Still ruby/plum-hued, it has a pure, intense nose of darker currants, leafy tobacco, freshly sharpened pencils, and incense, which is classic Pauillac goodness. This carries to a full-bodied Lynch-Bages that has flawless overall balance, a seamless, surprisingly elegant mouthfeel, beautiful tannins, and a great finish. This was closed and hard to read a few years after release and over the following decade or more, but the last few bottles I've had have all showed remarkably open and accessible. I'd be shocked if it didn't continue drinking brilliantly over the coming 20+ years.

96/100, Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com