Freddy R. Troya

9.4

Château Lynch-Bages 2023 – Pauillac, Grand Cru Classé, BDX, France 🇫🇷

Overview
A powerful, structurally driven Pauillac showing serious depth and long-term ambition, built on a 71% Cabernet Sauvignon–dominant blend with 22% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot support. The wine carries muscular architecture, dark fruit density, and firm tannic authority, currently showing some youthful rough edges but clearly positioned for future greatness with proper cellaring.

Aromas & Flavors
Blackcurrant, cassis liqueur, blackberry skin, graphite, cedar plank, crushed gravel, tobacco leaf, dark cocoa and subtle savory spice.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied with firm, youthful tannins, strong mid-palate grip, vibrant supporting acidity, dense core concentration, and a long, structured finish that signals serious aging capacity.

Food Pairings
Dry-aged ribeye, grilled lamb chops, beef short ribs, rosemary-crusted venison, aged hard cheeses, slow-braised meats.

Verdict
A high-potential Pauillac still in its formative phase. The structure, depth, and terroir signature are undeniable, but integration will require time. A climber rather than a polished performer today, patience will be rewarded handsomely.

🍷 Personal Pick
This feels like a future star in development, powerful, slightly raw, but absolutely loaded with upside. Not a wine for instant gratification, but one that will evolve into something truly special with time. I’d happily cellar this and revisit around 2029 when the polish finally matches the horsepower. — 2 days ago

Vasudev Vadlamudi

9.2

Medium-high acid, citrus. Sauvignon blanc primary with some muscadet and semillon — 2 months ago

Jakub Kalinowski

8.9

Textbook Merlot nose, plum & red fruit backed with sweet vanilla oak.
On the palate this has surprising freshness and lightness of touch. The 14% alc is perfectly integrated. Juicy & fresh, quite savoury, quite delicious.
The tannins are a tad dry, but otherwise - a lovely wine. — 5 months ago

Louis Martin

9.2

Dry, strong berry aroma, cigar and smoke finish, paired well with duck liver pate. — 9 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Château Ormes de Pez 2023 – Saint-Estèphe. BDX, France 🇫🇷

Overview
An approachable and easy-drinking Bordeaux red from the Cazes family (Lynch-Bages lineage), offering a friendly, polished expression designed for immediate pleasure rather than intensity. The 47% Cabernet-driven blended with 39% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot delivers clean fruit, gentle structure, and balanced freshness, making it an ideal casual and versatile claret.

Aromas & Flavors
Red cherry, blackcurrant, plum skin, light cedar, subtle graphite, dried herbs, soft cocoa and gentle spice.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with smooth entry, soft tannins, moderate acidity, easy mid-palate flow, and a clean, uncomplicated finish that stays friendly and accessible.

Food Pairings
Burgers, roast chicken, grilled sausages, pizza, casual bistro fare, semi-soft cheeses, weeknight comfort foods.

Verdict
A reliable, crowd-pleasing Saint-Estèphe that emphasizes drinkability and balance over depth and complexity. A well-made, approachable red for casual enjoyment and broad appeal.

🍷 Personal Pick
This is a cruising wine, safe lines, smooth handling, and zero surprises. Perfect when you want something dependable, easygoing, and friendly on the palate without needing full focus or contemplation. — 2 days ago

Jakub Kalinowski

9.0

Lovely, fresh strawberries, some raspberry, cloves, and a super nice forest undergrowth note. Enticing!
Light on the palate, aetheric, yet with some juicy acidity and a light tannic touch. Lovely mouthfeel, juicy, so fresh, so good friendly. Ending with a warm, spicy note.
Aged in amphorae.
Such a lovely wine! — 5 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.3

Château Haut-Bages Libéral – Red blend – 2022
Pauillac AOC – Bordeaux, France 🇫🇷

Overview
Left Bank classicism meets modern precision. A Cabernet-dominant blend at 87% and 13% Merlot that showcases Pauillac’s hallmark structure wrapped in surprising elegance. Certified organic and biodynamic, made by Claire Villars-Lurton, one of the leading women in Bordeaux.

Aromas & Flavors
Blackcurrant, graphite, cedar, plum skin, and violets with subtle tobacco leaf, pencil shavings, and cocoa. Young, fresh, and layered.

Mouthfeel
Medium-plus to full-bodied with refined tannins, balanced acidity, and a polished, seamless texture. Harmonious and structured with a delicious, lingering finish.

Food Pairings
Roast lamb, ribeye, duck breast, mushroom ragù, or aged Comté.

Verdict
A beautifully balanced, terroir-driven Pauillac that delivers finesse without sacrificing power. Delicious now, but built to evolve gracefully.

Did You Know?
Château Haut-Bages Libéral is a Fifth Growth from the 1855 Classification, situated next on to Château Latour. The “Libéral” family were 18th-century négociants who selected some of Pauillac’s best parcels, many still form the estate today. — 2 months ago

Tristan

9.0

Decent but not good value at $73 — a month ago

leon egozi

9.5

NY wine spectator event — 3 months ago

Scott Koles

9.0

Silky smooth Bordeaux with notes of strawberry jam and tartiflette. — 5 months ago