Lynch Bages 1981 750ml

Château Lynch-Bages, the Cazes family's fifth growth in Pauillac, has long been known for outperforming its classification with generous, cassis-rich Cabernet Sauvignon. 1981 was a classic, somewhat austere Bordeaux vintage, yet Vinous has long considered it a major success for the estate. Its review describes dark plum, cassis, truffle, cedar and coffee on a rich, dense, suave palate, finishing with underbrush, lead pencil and tobacco. The tannins remain big and plush, framed by the firm mouthfeel typical of the year. More than four decades on, this is a fully mature claret at its savory peak; stand the bottle upright and decant gently before serving.