3/29/2024 - Oskiwawa wrote:

Opened with a quick taste and then decanted for 2 hours. Initial thoughts upon opening were great color with little browning, Nose was pure fruit with a little bit of dust. Tannins stilll provide some backbone but are soft. 2 hours later this is a very nice soft wine with structure. Dark fruit. Really nice. This bottle would have had 10+ more years of life.

Very nice and a real treat.

3/27/2024 - BellevuePhil wrote:

As an individual accustomed to the finer things in life, I've had the privilege of indulging in some of the world's most exquisite wines. Each bottle tells a story, weaving together notes of history, culture, and passion. Today, I find myself transported back to the enchanting year of 1983, reminiscing about a wine that holds a special place in my heart: the Château Lynch-Bages. This vintage, while not the absolute pinnacle of perfection, evokes memories of a love affair and a journey through the vineyards that forever changed my perception of wine and life itself.

Upon first approach, the bouquet unfolds with an enticing array of aromas. Notes of ripe black currants and dark berries immediately captivate the senses, accompanied by nuances of cedarwood and leather. As the wine aerates, delicate hints of tobacco and spice emerge, adding layers of intrigue to the olfactory experience.

On the palate, the 1983 Château Lynch-Bages displays a harmonious balance of fruit, structure, and elegance. Ripe blackberry and cassis flavors dominate the forefront, intertwining with subtle hints of plum and dried herbs. The wine's supple tannins provide a firm backbone, contributing to its depth and longevity. Velvety in texture, yet exquisitely refined, it coats the palate with a lingering finish that leaves a lasting impression.

Overall, the 1983 Château Lynch-Bages is a wine of remarkable pedigree and character. While it may not represent the absolute pinnacle of perfection, it offers a captivating glimpse into the terroir of Pauillac and the rich heritage of Bordeaux winemaking. As it continues to evolve with age, it serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of one of France's most esteemed estates.

Firstly, let me set the stage for you. Picture me, an adventurer and a lover of the finer things in life, exploring the rolling hills of Bordeaux, where the prestigious Château Lynch-Bages stands as a beacon of excellence in winemaking. It was in the year of 1982 that I stumbled upon this hidden gem, tucked away amidst acres of lush vineyards. Little did I know that this encounter would lead to a love affair as intoxicating as the wine itself.

The 1983 Château Lynch-Bages, with its deep crimson hue and complex bouquet, immediately captivated my senses upon my first sip. Notes of black currant, cedar, and spice danced upon my palate, weaving a symphony of flavors that left a lasting impression. While not the absolute pinnacle of perfection, this vintage possessed a certain allure that kept me coming back for more.

As I savored each sip, I couldn't help but be reminded of a love affair that unfolded the year prior. It was the summer of 1982, and I found myself entangled in a passionate romance with a young wine girl amidst the vineyards of Bordeaux. Together, we would roam the fields barefoot, the earth beneath our feet connecting us to the land and the wine that flowed from it.

Despite the language barrier – for I, a man of upper society and a rock musician, did not speak French – our connection transcended words. She taught me the language of wine, guiding me through the nuances of each vintage with a grace and elegance that left me spellbound. It was through her eyes that I discovered the true essence of Château Lynch-Bages, a wine that mirrored the spirit of the land from which it hailed.

Our love affair may have been fleeting, but the memories we shared amidst the vineyards of Bordeaux remain etched in my heart. And so, as I raise a glass of the 1983 Château Lynch-Bages to my lips, I am transported back to those golden days of summer, where love and wine intertwined in a dance of passion and discovery.

In conclusion, while the 1983 Château Lynch-Bages may not be the best vintage I've ever tasted, it holds a special place in my heart for the memories it evokes. Like a cherished love affair, it reminds me of a time when life was simpler, and the world was filled with endless possibilities. And for that, I am grateful.

The finish of the 1983 Château Lynch-Bages is nothing short of exquisite. As the flavors slowly dissipate, echoes of dark fruit and spice linger on the palate, leaving a sense of satisfaction and anticipation for the next sip. With its remarkable balance and finesse, this vintage is a testament to the timeless craftsmanship of Château Lynch-Bages.

Cheers to the 1983 Château Lynch-Bages – a wine that will forever hold a place in my heart and my cellar.

Note to self: second bottle watery never opened!!

2/17/2024 - bestdamncab Likes this wine:

Nose of black berry, black cherry, and earth, more of the same on the palate, big body, elegant, mouth filling fruit, at peak or slightly past, rich fruit, lovely with meaty pizza, long, flavorful finish and lovely aftertaste.

12/31/2023 - bestdamncab Likes this wine:

Tiny, vigorous bubbles formed a lovely mousse in the glass, nose of toast, honey, lemon, yeast, and slate, same on the palate, big body, rich tasting, mouth filling, layers of flavor and complexity, this is at its best when served thoroughly chilled, lovely, long flavors on both tbe finish and aftertaste, the aftertaste stays with you a long time, showing its pedigree, like us-49 years together and still kicking, this wine still has time left photo uploaded.

12/24/2023 - happyhyrax Likes this wine:

In very good condition. Elegant, medium bodied. Quite tertiary. Acidity and fruit still there though. Doesn’t taste like a 48 year old wine. Has probably lost some character but still a lovely wine.

9/25/2023 - sid_loves_wine Likes this wine:

Very enjoyable and immediately expressive. Made in an entirely "modern" style, with big rich black fruit (blackberry preserve, plum compote, dark cherry, not "baked" or jammy, just very forward) and a bit of flashy oak (vanilla, allspice) that didnt overwhelm the fruit. Not much more to it than that on the nose or palate, but I really enjoyed the intensity and presence of it- tannins aren't excessively harsh, and there's enough acidity there to keep it focused.

One thing that was a bit less successful was the high ABV, with some sharp fumes on the nose at times, and a lingering heat on the finish. I don't shy away from high-ABV wines (I've had good experiences with Mollydooker, when the time is right!) It simply wasn't so well-integrated here. It could work better with some rich food to temper some of that intensity.

I'm rating this based on the price we paid, $50, which begins to approach good QPR- pricing seems to vary a lot, with some closer to $75 (much less appealing at that price.) This reminded me a lot of the entry level Turnbull Cab, just with a bit less balance/elegance- and also of the entry level Pine Ridge Cab, but with a bit *more* balance and elegance.

9/18/2023 - sid_loves_wine Likes this wine:

Lovely stuff. Extremely similar to their '17 Napa Merlot I wrote a note for recently; this was showing just somewhat darker shades of fruit and a touch more density (also maybe a bit more tannic ruggedness). I'm not sure if it was $15-$20 better than the Merlot right now, but I think it has a slightly longer life ahead. Both are built for aging.

No decant- I thought it was honestly best right at opening, as the tannins increased in strength throughout the tasting. This needs a cellar nap more than a decant. Lots and lots of cedary oak, but it doesn't bury the fresh blackberry/black plum fruit. Dense, but not even remotely jammy or hot, and thankfully, not "green" either save for a very subtle, well-integrated touch of tobacco. The palate has solid weight and acidity; the tannins are definitely a bit coarse on the finish once the fruit finally fades.

I slightly preferred their '16 Cab, which felt a touch more polished, without sacrificing elegance. It's possible this vintage showed the fruit a bit more over the oak. I've really enjoyed the wines I've tried from Keenan so far; they feel like a combination of a rich, unapologetic Napa flavor profile with the seriousness and structure of Bordeaux.

9/15/2023 - happyhyrax Likes this wine:

Brioche, honey, lemon peel on the nose. Oily. Wonderfully balanced. Medium/long finish. Lovely. Will probably improve. 95+

9/12/2023 - sid_loves_wine Likes this wine:

Really nice- maybe I'm overrating this, but it was delicious and expressive for the price, and did an excellent job of balancing high alcohol and big fruit. Lots of raspberry preserves, blueberry crumble, etc like a "typical" zin, yet given complexity with a deep vanilla oak note, almost toasty, not at all overwhelming, just a big dollop of seasoning. The high ABV is pretty well-hidden here, mostly feeling like a burst of fruity richness than a spiky, hot mess. Neither overly tannic or flabby. I'm not much of a zin lover, but this was solid QPR for sure. Makes me wonder if I should try more Napa zin rather than Paso or Lodi stuff.

8/8/2023 - bestdamncab Likes this wine:

Nose of black berry, cigar box, and earth, same on the palate, big body, tasty, mouth filling fruit, better the second night than the first night, at peak suggest you enjoy over the next 3 years, lovely, long finish, and pleasant aftertaste.

6/28/2023 - bestdamncab Likes this wine:

Nose of red cherry, black cherry, and cigar box, same on the palate, medium/big body, tasty, locally it's $24 at Costco, mouth filling fruit, rich fruit, better the second and third night than the first, suggest 3 years in the cellar to peak, medium/long finish, photo uploaded.

6/1/2023 - bestdamncab Likes this wine:

Nose of red cherry, raspberry, and blueberry, same on the palate, medium body, tasty, better the second night than the first night, vanilla on the nose and palate suggest you give it 2 years in the cellar, but the medium finish doesn't confirm this, at $17 it's a good, solid effort, guess Rioja is not for me.

11/10/2022 - bestdamncab Likes this wine:

Flatiron Wine & spirits (San Francisco, Ca.): Pinot Meunier dominated the nose and taste tonight, nose of citrus and earth, same on the palate, medium body, tasty, simple, medium finish, $65.

10/26/2022 - bestdamncab Likes this wine:

Aromatic nose of Cabernet Sauvignon, dried black currants, dried black cherry, and fragrance of black berry muffin recently warmed for serving, same on the palate, big body, delicious, very tasty, mouth filling black berry fruit that coats your tongue and mouth, long finish that lasts for three minutes, and terrific aftertaste, a wonderful example from the 1976 vintage, thank you Derrald, photo uploaded shows high fill as bottle came from a previously unopened case stored perfectly by Derrald, another photo shows label, a third photo shows cork.

10/22/2022 - Enricaccio Does not like this wine:

Decanted for 2h. Deep ruby red color, nose of tobacco leaf and earth; this is distinctly savory in flavor; some dark fruit, red currant and bitter cherry fruit. Tannins are starting to soften considerably, but it still makes your mouth pucker. I don't think it's 100% cabernet sauvignon, it's more similar to a petit verdot. Overall not bad, but not my taste.

10/11/2022 - Fractalage Likes this wine:

The most interesting thing about this wine is that it's actually certified biodynamic, which is a very rare thing in California.
These guys boast no inoculation! That's GOLD!

My wine standard, because the Gods of wine demand it, is that inoculation offends the Gods of wine, so at every winery I stop to taste, that's my first question. If yes is the answer, I will always spit. If they don't know what that even is, then I educate and slightly shame, but if it's no, then I celebrate and drink and buy!
That biome on the grape skin is sacred. It should not be killed! It deserves to be nurtured and celebrated as those creatures make the wine. If they are murdered, then in my opinion that juice can no longer really be called wine. Debate me on this as much as you would like, but terminated life that was given to us to make wine is such an offense to the Creator of life that I feel there to be a special hell for those who abort the true engenderers of wine.

Therefore, we celebrate L. Preston! Even if it has some oak undertones.
It’s black and red fruit with meats is delicious and still can be cellared further to at least another 5 years.
Tonight, it took about an hour to start to show, and then continued to open up. I won’t know fully as I drank the bottle after only 4 hours.

Excellent wine.

Even better to visit the winery, where on Sunday’s they allow you fill up your jug with their cask wine.
Their Syrah is even better, and less money, than this cuvee.
I would recommend sticking to the Syrah, as it’s more in line with Northern Rhone for my palate.

9/1/2022 - bestdamncab Likes this wine:

Nose of black cherry, black berry, leather, and forest floor, same on the palate, big body, very tasty, mouth filling fruit, enjoyed over 3 nights, held up well, and a long, lovely finish, thank you Joe for the birthday gift.

8/20/2022 - WineGuyDelMar Likes this wine:

Drank next to a 2009 Larcis Ducasse. This is a Classic St Emilion. Dark black fruits, dry and devoid of any sweetness. Lots of flavor layers and complexity. Chocolate & tobacco notes. Nice earth too. This is my style of St Emilion. Note to self…Please get more of this.

5/21/2022 - bestdamncab Likes this wine:

Phelps Customer Appreciation Day 2022 (Joseph Phelps Vineyards, Napa Valley): At Phelps Customer Appreciation Day. From magnum, nose of black forest cake, black berry, kirsch, and a touch of mint, intense floral nose and intense concentration on the palate, same on the palate, needs 4 years in the cellar, and probably merit 100 points, subdued, sublime, and rich tasting, almost elegant, very soft, silky tannins on the midpalate, and long finish. Retail $1440 magnum and $850 bottle.

5/21/2022 - Oskiwawa wrote:

Third time I have had this wine and all have been outstanding. This thick, dark rich wine is unique and a great way to end an evening. Wonderful.

5/9/2022 - bestdamncab Likes this wine:

MMD Tour 2022 Tasting. St. Regis Hotel (St. Regis Hotel, San Francisco): Nose of red cherry, black berry, licorice, hints of saddle leather and minerals and earth, same on the palate, mouth filling fruit, tasty, very tasty, will age but enjoyable now with a modest decant, layered richness, complex, only a three-acre estate so this wine is rarely seen, tasted seven times today and loved every sip of it, long, long finish, and lovely aftertaste.

3/1/2022 - g-man Likes this wine:

This is going through another transition. My previous bottles required extended decanting but this was decanted for less than an hour and was relatively approachable on first taste. Over the next 2 hours it blossomed and showed why I love this so much. It evolved into a strong yet balanced beauty. Tannins mellowed and fruit emerged yet still retaining a certain tension which kept your attention and looking for its' next phase of evolution.

2/11/2022 - ephorn Likes this wine:

Traditional bordeaux style with balance and complexity. The fruit has held up very well after 50 years. Color is still deep ruby with a hint of brown. Nose reminds me of black cardamom pods. Super classy palate with excellent mid palate and a long finish. Mid weight, nothing out of place, superbly well integrated. Thanks to my Dad for this piece of history and happy 50 to my wife!

1/13/2022 - GP75 Likes this wine:

This petite sirah is bold and fruity, with a little bit of spice, and a weighty mouth feel. Big raspberries and plum. Bogle is among the best sub $10 grocery store wines.

12/24/2021 - bestdamncab Likes this wine:

Christmas Eve 2021 (Flemings, Walnut Creek, Ca.): In honor of my 11,000 Tasting Note, I opened this wine to enjoy on Christmas Eve and add another oenophile memory to my collection. Nose of mint, Spearmint Gum, red cherry, cranberry, raspberry, black cherry, and eucalyptus, medium/big body, very tasty, secondary flavors, elegant, rich tasting, smooth, delicious, loved by my wife and the 2 servers at our table tonight, young tasting for 44 years old, and a medium/long finish and fantastic aftertaste, photos uploaded. Thank you, Justin for making such a great wine. I have been fortunate to taste this wine twice before and have always called it the greatest Silver Oak I have tasted! I was not wrong then and am not now.

12/9/2021 - GrapeScott wrote:

It was a timely coincidence that I decided to open this today because there just happened to be another lot of the same wine closing at auction tonight. I was so impressed with this bottle that I decided to reload. Seductive, sweet cherry/raspberry aromas upon opening. Has a very Graves-like red berry profile, reminding me a bit of a DDC or Haut Bailly. A hint of eucalyptus adds to the intrigue. There is not much in the way of either acids or tannins at this point, but it is a very pretty wine, and drinking quite well now.

12/5/2021 - GrapeScott wrote:

High shoulder fill, cork was extracted with a Durand in excellent condition. Color is deep purple with no signs of bricking. Extremely youthful nose, more black-fruited than I expected for DDC, with cherry and cassis, accented by earth, cedar and saddle leather. Elegant but with a richness that explodes in the mouth, with a smooth, seamless finish. I could drink this all night. Just an extraordinary wine.

11/25/2021 - bestdamncab Likes this wine:

Hint of butter on the nose, surprising but not overwhelming, lemon, sliced apple, and dry gravel, same on the palate, medium/big body, almost elegant, very tasty, at peak-time to enjoy is now, mouth filling fruit, long finish, photo uploaded.

11/22/2021 - Wine G Likes this wine:

Everything I was expecting, in an ideal drinking window, rich, smooth and delicious. perfect pairing for beef tenderloin.

11/13/2021 - GrapeScott wrote:

Top shoulder fill, excellent ruby color with no signs of bricking. I coravin'ed a glass earlier in the week, and had about an hour to contemplate it. We finished the last of the bottle yesterday evening at a gathering with friends, when it followed a very fine '88 Montrose (thanks Mike!) and '05 Allemand Reynard, so between palate fatigue and slight inebriation, I trust my impressions from early in the week more. It had a lovely woodsy aroma, with cedar, forest floor and a bit of star anise and Asian spices. A bit shrill in the midpalate, this is no doubt in decline, but it still gives much pleasure to lovers of aged, classic claret.

11/10/2021 - Wine G Likes this wine:

QPR Champ.... definitely modern but you still get the bordeaux essence. 2018 in general is a high quality, rich vintage. This is a really good bottle around $55-60

10/26/2021 - bestdamncab Likes this wine:

3 Terrific Rose Champagnes, 5 Great Cabernets, and a Fabulous Dessert Wine. (Yan's China Bistro, Walnut Creek, Ca.): Nose of red cherry, strawberry, slate, yeast, and a touch of raspberry, same on the palate, big body, very tasty, lovely fruit, rich fruit, good acid, elegant, and a long, flavorful finish and lovely aftertaste.

10/24/2021 - GrapeScott wrote:

I was not expecting much from this wine, considering the vintage and the condition of this particular bottle, which had a top shoulder fill and some signs of past seepage (plus a Mexican importer's label, so who knows how it was shipped/stored). The cork was saturated as well, and moldy on top, but was extracted pretty much intact with my Durand. Well, as much as we all preach the necessity of good storage, this battered and bruised bottle is a testament to the durability of BDX. This was like drinking liquid silk, so smooth and elegant, with gorgeous plum and sous bois flavors, and a richness that belies this lesser vintage. I don't have a lot of experience with this estate, but have been impressed each time.

10/2/2021 - bestdamncab Likes this wine:

Lovely barnyard on the nose-just like a chicken coop, black cherry, saddle leather, hints of mushroom and earth, same on the palate, big body, rich, very tasty, even better tasting the second night, elegant, long, long, long finish and flavorful aftertaste, label/cork photo uploaded.

9/30/2021 - bestdamncab Likes this wine:

Nose of black berry, cigar box, and earth, same on the palate, big body, tasty, mouth filling fruit, better the second night than the first night, close to peak and time to enjoy is over next 6 years, medium/long finish, photo uploaded.

9/2/2021 - bestdamncab Likes this wine:

Nose of black cherry, black berry, allspice, and wet stone, same on the palate, big body, very rich fruit, very tasty, delicious, mouthfilling fruit, like a hot black cherry pie from the oven, just as tasty the second night as the first night, at peak so enjoy now. Long, long, long, flavorful finish, photo uploaded.

8/13/2021 - bestdamncab Likes this wine:

2000 Bordeaux Lunch (Yan's China Bistro, Walnut Creek, Ca.): Nose of black berry, allspice, and dry, dusty earth, same on the palate, medium/big body, rich fruit, elegant, at peak, very earthy on both the palate and finish today, at peak and should be enjoyed during the next 3 years, will last but at best now, good acid, rich but subdued fruit, long earthy finish and earthy aftertaste.

8/9/2021 - Triforwine wrote:

Bought this at Trader Joe's in Omaha where they have some interesting options at good prices. Brought it home and decided to open it last night to see if we want more. It's a very basic champagne, not complexity but quite enjoyable. Not as good as the pink version. But for $11 it's not such a bad "emergency" half bottle. Certainly not "the worst" champagne ever.

7/12/2021 - bestdamncab Likes this wine:

Nose of black berry, black currants, and dry, dusty gravel, same on the palate, big body, very tasty, mouth filling fruit, needs cellar time to show its best, lots of soft tannins on the palate and finish, very Margaux like, and a long, long finish, uploaded bottle and cork photo.

7/10/2021 - bestdamncab Likes this wine:

Nose of black berry, black currant, ash, pencil lead, dusty gravel. potting soil, and saddle leather, same on the palate, thank you Derrald for the wine. medium/big body, mouth filling fruit, lovely fruit, lots of complexity, terrific Bordeaux at 32 years of age, medium/long, flavorful finish and aftertaste.

7/7/2021 - bestdamncab Likes this wine:

Nose of mint, black berry, blueberry, and allspice, same on the palate, big body, very tasty, elegant, at peak, mouth filling fruit, delicious with the grilled Top Sirloin Steak, long, flavorful finish and aftertaste, photo label and cork uploaded.

6/27/2021 - bestdamncab Likes this wine:

Nose of violets, black cherry, and barnyard, same on the palate, mefium/big body, tasty, mouth filling fruit, at peak, can last 10 years, long finish, photo uploaded.

6/26/2021 - bestdamncab Likes this wine:

Nose of black berry, allspice, tobacco, forest floor, and a hint of black cherry, same on the palate, big body, very tasty, mouth filling fruit, elegant, nice fruit freshens with every pour, and a long, long, flavorful finish and flavorful, lingering aftertaste, paired with grilled rib eye-terrific!!

6/24/2021 - bestdamncab Likes this wine:

Met Bill the owner, produces 2000 cases of this wine, family owned since 1871, sells fruit to Gallo and The Prisoner Wine company, 15.5% alcohol, 100% new oak, nose of black cherry, black berry, with hints of sage, smoke, heat, wet forest floor, and chocolate, black color with red edges in the glass, mouth filling fruit, big body, needs 4 years to peak, subtle, vey tasty, medium/long finish.

6/15/2021 - bestdamncab Likes this wine:

Pandemic Party Time with Beaucastel and Anthem (Yan's China Bistro, Walnut Creek, Ca.): Nose of black cherry, forest floor, fragrant rose bouquet, with hints of licorice, saddle leather, cranberry, and plum, same on the palate, big body, delicious, very tasty, nose and palate taste overwhelm the 2001 Beaucastel today, elegant, mouth filling fruit, at peak, best Beaucastel for me since the 1983, long, flavorful finish and fabulous aftertaste, photo uploaded.

5/20/2021 - bestdamncab Likes this wine:

Nose of cinnamon from barrel char, black berry, and hint of sage, same on the palate, fruit slightly closed, shows heat on the mid palate, muted fruit, medium/big body, woody taste not tannic, medium/long finish, aftertaste with medium amount of soft tannins, needs 3 years cellar time to cool down and show well. Other taster agreed with me.

5/8/2021 - Jonathanc5 wrote:

Sweet, smooth. Was worried about it being too late to open. Pour right away.

3/27/2021 - bestdamncab Likes this wine:

Nose of black berry, plum, and mocha, same on the palate, big body, very tasty, slightly tired but showing all of its Silver Oak Napa fruit, mouth filling fruit, wine to sip and savor, Justin made great wine, brings back memories of Release Day Partys with friends, long, flavorful finish and aftertaste.

3/21/2021 - bestdamncab Likes this wine:

This was an auction double magnum for $48 or $12 a standard bottle, Great QPR. poured into 4 bottles size 750ml and sealed each with a champagne cork. Nose of black berry, plum, mushroom, and tired spring flowers, same on the palate, tasty, mouth filling fruit, touch simple, hints of soft tannins on the back of the palate, very fresh due to double magnum size, medium/long finish, thankfully from a great vintage so tasted rich, slightly complex, and nice nose and palate, enjoyed over 2 nights. Back label photo uploaded, front label too many wine stains from mu pouring.

3/15/2021 - bestdamncab Likes this wine:

This is an example of losing a bottle in the cellar and it becomes a real winner. Nose of cigar box, black cherry, spring flowers, barnyard, and forest floor, same on the palate, big body, delicious, very tasty, 3 points less the second night so time to enjoy is right now, almost juicy, rich, complex, and a flavorful finish and aftertaste. Photo uploaded shows sediment coating the bottle due to long time storage.