Chateau Lynch Moussas 2017
Winery
The history of Chateau Lynch Moussas can be traced back to 1610, when the winery was named “Domainede Moussas-Bages” and was managed by the Jehan family who owned many manors. In 1748, Thomas Lynch took over Domaine de Moussas-Bages from his wife Elisabeth Drouillard, and later renamed it Chateau Lynch. In 1835, Earl Jean-Baptiste Lynch of the Lynch family passed away, and Lynch Chateau was also divided into two, becoming today’s Chateau Lynch-Moussas and Chateau Lynch-Bages. In 1847, Chateau Lynch-Moussas was owned by the Vasquez family, a Spanish wine merchant. Both wineries were selected as fifth growths in 1855. In 1919, Jean Casteja acquired Chateau Lynch-Moussas. Since then, the winery has been in the hands of the Casteja family for 100 years. When Jean Casteja’s son Emile Casteja took over the estate in 1970, he set off a wave of change. Under his leadership, Chateau Lynch-Moussas upgraded the vineyards, winemaking workshops and wine cellars, putting the winery on the path of modern development. In the 21st century, Emile Casteja’s son Philippe Casteja became the new owner and has been in charge until now.
Lynch Moussas winery is located in the heart of the Pauillac production area, with 62 hectares of vineyards, adjacent to many grand wines, including first-level winery Chateau Latour, second-level winery Chateau Pichon-Longueville Baron, etc., benefiting from the terroir of famous wineries, one can produce high-quality wine. The vines are planted on ridges made of pebbles, gravel, and clay. Treated with care, the wine perfectly expresses the richness of its terroir.
Wine
A very fine, polished 2017 with chocolate, walnut, and spice. Just a hint of raw meat, too. Medium to full body, silky tannins, and a savory finish. Orange peel, too. A blend of 81% cabernet sauvignon and 19% Merlot. Needs two or three years to soften.
Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Lynch Moussas opens with herbal notes of wild sage and bay leaves over a core of warm blackcurrant, redcurrant jelly, cedar chest, and pencil shavings. The medium-bodied palate is fairly chewy, with notable oak and just enough fruit, finishing with an invigorating herbal lift.
Grapes: 81% Cabernet Sauvignon，19% Merlot
Flavors:
Primary: Black Fruit – Blackberry, Blackcurrant, Plum, Cassis, Herbal
Secondary: Oak, Tobacco, Cedar, Vanilla, Spice
Tertiary: Leather, earthy, smoke
Expert Ratings: [JS 93, V 91, RP 90+]
Wine Secret Ratings: 95/100
Wine Secret Comments: Stored in French oak barrels for 18 more months before bottling softened and gave the wine a notable oak note with chocolate, spice and vanilla flavor. Best paired for big Christmassy and Chinese New Year meals. The medium to full body palate with blackcurrant and plum flavors, silky tannin, and herbal finish hinted at the Paulliac characteristics but came with very affordable pricing.
Restaurant Price Range: HKD1180 – HKD2600 / 75cl bottle.