Château Lynch-Bages, Echo De Lynch-Bages, 2018

"The 2018 Echo De Lynch-Bages checks in as a mix of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc that was brought up all in once-used French oak. It has a grand vin tech-sheet with 13.9% alcohol, 3.57 pH, and a massive IPT of 87. Deep purple-hued, with a great nose of blackcurrants, scorched earth, lead pencil shavings, tobacco, and dark chocolate, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a deep, layered monster of a mid-palate, and silky tannins. It's stunning juice all the way, and given its wealth of material and texture, it's drinkable today, yet smart money will hide bottles for 5-7 years, and it's going to evolve for 20 years or more. It's an incredible second wine."

"Very layered and dense second wine of Lynch this year. Medium to full body, juicy fruit and polished and chewy tannins. Will need time."

"Even in a vintage as generous as 2018, the main Pauillacs are a long way away from being ready, so if you are wanting to look at this appellation now, think about the 2nd wines. You get plenty of graphite and cigar box, set against blackberry fruits, crushed mint leaf and pomegranate. Tannins are making their presence felt, but then doesn't that just remind us that we're in Pauillac? No new oak."