1999 Ch. Lynch Bages, Pauillac. About $30 when purchased a few years ago. 13% alc.
I like to pull something very red and radically different from the cellar about this time of year in order to break my summer routine of white wines. This filled the bill very nicely.
Upon pulling the cork, red fruit aroma fills the air. The color is a bright garnet with just a very slight bricking at the rim. Nose is cherry and cassis with the slightest hint of vanilla. On the palate, there is a middling attack with flavors that mirror the nose. Some minerality and the tannins are light. The finish, not impressively long, is characterised by a slight bitterness.
As it opens over the course of an hour, the primary fruit flavors grow stronger and the finish lengthens. There is more plumpness here than I usually prefer, but something slightly exotic and beguiling on the palate keeps me coming back for more. I've another bottle, and am glad of it. A bit more time in the cellar might be useful, though this would complement a steak dinner nicely as is.