Château Lynch Bages Pauillac 2005

Wine Spectator : 93 points
"Displays very beautiful aromas of crushed blackberry and dark chocolate, with a hint of coffee. Full-bodied, with a tightly wound palate of ripe tannins. Long and caressing. Best after 2015." (Mar 2008)

Robert Parker : 91 points
"This outstanding effort is slightly lighter, more streamlined and delicate than followers of Lynch Bages have come to expect after such great vintages as 1982, 1989, 1990, 1996, and 2000. A deep ruby/purple hue is accompanied by a classic Medoc nose of tapenade, roasted herbs, licorice, cedar, black currants, and damp earth. Medium-bodied with moderate tannin, sweet fruit, and surprising softness as well as forwardness for a 2005 northern Medoc, it can be drunk now and over the next 20+ years." (Apr 2008)

Stephen Tanzer : 91 points
"Bright ruby-red. Expressive, classic aromas of currant, mocha, smoke and camphor. Rich, broad and ripe but impressively young, offering flavors of dark berries, chocolate, spices and smoke enlivened by firm acidity. This coats the palate nicely on the long finish, with tannins that are riper and sweeter than those of the 2006." (Jun 2008)

Bettane et Desseauve : 16/20
"On admirera le velouté de texture habituel au cru et sa suavité mais, au nez comme en bouche, le fût neuf ne semble pas équilibré à la texture, et le côté très affirmatif de l’ensemble peut sembler moins élégant qu’on ne le voudrait." (2009)