Cellar It$135-165

Château Lynch-Bages 2020

The poor man's Mouton that scored 99 points and was #3 on Wine Spectator's Top 100.

Producer

Château Lynch-Bages

Region

Pauillac, Bordeaux, France

Varietal

Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant blend

Vintage

2020

Beckett Stone

2026-04-11

The Short Take

Château Lynch-Bages 2020 is a 5th Growth Pauillac that consistently performs at 2nd Growth level. The 2020 vintage is being compared to 2010 and 2016 as one of Bordeaux's all-time greats. Cassis, blackberry, pencil shavings, dark chocolate, with powdery tannins and seamless structure. James Suckling scored it 99, Wine Spectator ranked it #3 of 2023. Needs 8-10 years minimum, will reward patience for 30+.

Lynch-Bages is the most famous overperformer in Bordeaux. Classified as a 5th Growth in 1855, it has been drinking at 2nd Growth level for decades. The Cazes family has been running it since 1939 and they have never rested on the classification. The 2020 is extraordinary. Crème de cassis, blackberries, pencil shavings, spices, dark chocolate. Medium to full-bodied, deep and layered. The tannins are ripe and powdery — structured but not aggressive. This was the first vintage in their brand-new winery and they nailed it. James Suckling gave it 99 points. Wine Spectator ranked it #3 on their Top 100 of 2023. This needs time. Do not open it before 2030. Ideally 2033-2035. It will reward patience for 30 years or more. If Margaux is already in the cellar, Lynch-Bages is the Pauillac counterpoint — more muscular, more structured, more Left Bank power. This is what Bordeaux is supposed to taste like.

Pairs With

Prime ribeye, rack of lamb with rosemary, truffle-topped filet, aged Comté.