Jean Michel/ Jean Charles Cazes Wines
(tasted at Bordeaux Saveurs, 23/3/2009)
 
Lynch Bages Blanc 2008
The lees were still in suspension during the tasting, as this will not be bottled until June 2009. Good acidity and structure evident (I was told that they will keep this in barrel/vat for a little longer than the 2007, as it needs a bit longer to soften). 60% new barrels, 50% sauvignon blanc, up from 45% last year. A lovely roundness in the mouth, but subtle, fresh and delicate. Peach and white flowers coming in from the 5% muscadelle in the blend. Perhaps slightly short.  88-89
 
Les Ormes de Pez 2008
Beautifully purple colour, very vibrant and clearly high in phenolic compounds. Dense rich nose, full of vanilla pods and black cherries, both of which carry through to the palate. There are evident tannins, but not chewy. Very pure fruit flavours (51% cabernet sauvignon, 39% merlot, 8% cabbernet franc, 2% petit verdot), this is chirpy, jaunty and very enjoyable. 88-90
 
Haut Bages Averous 2008
This is due to be renamed Echo de Lynch Bages when the 2008 gets bottled and labelled - clearly a much better name for a second wine. This is less of a dancer than the Pez, more of a brooder. Cabernet sauvignon is nearly the same at 52%, but clearly the terroir at Lynch Bages brings out the tannins, which are more structured. Good length, but it lacks the vibrancy and immediacy of the fruit of both the first wine, and Pez. 87.
 
Lynch Bages 2008
A beautiful classic Pauillac colour, very intense, again with the evident phenolic richness that seems to mark the 2008s. This is right up to 78% cabernet sauvignon, with 13% merlot, 7% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot. They picked around 10 days later than in 2007, starting the merlot on September 29th, and the cabernet sauvignon on October 9th (finishing the day before the frost of October 19th and apparently avoiding harvesting during any rain at all). Pauillac generally had less trouble with yields than other parts of Bordeaux this year, and they brought in around 49 hl/h. The nose is gorgeous, rich, spicy with damson plums. Great length, with dashes of chocolate and menthol, but it is the purity of the fruit that I am enjoying. Powerful tannins, but not at all vegetal. 93-94