Lynch-Moussas Pauillac 2018

94 points Wine Enthusiast: "This estate has steadily gained in quality and this latest release is one of its best. With good balance between black-currant fruits and a sophisticated structure, the wine has a great future. The dominance of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend will allow it to age. Drink from 2026. (May 2021)"

93 points James Suckling: "Ripe blackcurrant, stewed blackberry, clove, chocolate, graphite and hints of lemon verbena. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, tight-grained tannins. Focused and polished. Try from 2024. (1/14/21)"

93 points Jeb Dunnuck: "A terrific effort from this estate, the 2018 Château Lynch-Moussas just about jumps out of the glass with classic Pauillac smoked black fruits, lead pencil, tobacco, and chocolate-like aromas and flavors. These all carry to a medium to full-bodied red with a supple, elegant texture, ripe, polished tannins, rock-solid balance, and a great finish. It's going to round into form with 4-5 years in the cellar (it's far from unapproachable today) and should have a solid two decades of prime drinking. Drink: 2025-2045. (Mar 2021)"

93 points Falstaff Guide: "Dark ruby garnet, purple reflections, faint brightening on the rim. Inviting bouquet with delicate noble wood savouriness, fresh cassis, dark forest berries, a hint of nougat and tangerine zest in the background. Juicy, ripe cherry, freshly structured, fine tannins with more cherry on the finish and good length. A multi-faceted food wine. 2020-2040. (Feb 2021)"

92 points Chris Kissack (Winedoctor): "This is another perennial under-achiever which seems to have been able to take what the vintage offered it and work with it, in order to produce one of the best wines I have seen from this estate in years. Indeed, looking back through my old notes, this wine seems to be on a par with the 2010, 2009 and 2005 vintages. The nose is rich in plump and forward fruit, sweet black cherry and cassis notes, with a touch of cedary toasted oak wrapped around it all. The palate seems eager to keep up appearances, with dark fruit, tinges of dark chocolate, smouldering notes of oak and a sense of gentle acid-licked freshness. This is a fine result for this estate which should drink well over the next decade. (Feb 2021)"

92 points La Revue du Vin de France: "We note that the wines have progressed well in their precision and in the density of their fruit. 2018 possesses volume, fatness and we perceive the generous maturity of the fruit. The ageing process has not yet finished. It should evolve well. (2022)"

91 points Wine Spectator: "Juicy and focused, with a cassis, red cherry and plum profile that keeps it leaning to the red side of the fruit ledger, while hints of sweet tobacco, and graphite lend a pleasantly dark note through the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now through 2030. (3/31/21)"

91 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (The Wine Independent): "Lynch-Moussas 2018 is deep garnet-purple in color. It bursts with notes of warm cassis, blueberry compote, and fresh mulberries, plus suggestions of pencil shavings and damp soil. Medium to full-bodied, firm and grainy, the palate has great intensity and a racy line of freshness, finishing long and lifted. Drink: 2023-2033. (Feb 2023)"