This stunning, 100% Merlot was fashioned from extremely low yields. It received a full Burgundian treatment of malolactic in barrel, aging on its lees, and the experimental racking system of rotation of the barrels on the Oxoline system (a barrel racking system on wheels where the barrels can be turned without opening, thus in effect doing a batonnage of the lees without any exposure to air). The deep blue/purple-colored 2005 Lynsolence boasts a bouquet of blueberries, graphite, acacia flowers, and wet steel. The wine is full-bodied with exceptionally high glycerin levels, huge tannin, and good acidity. The oak is relatively obscured by high extract and glycerin, and this powerful, muscular, large-scaled effort requires 5-7 years of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2025+.
Wine Spectator 2008 (90 Punkte)
Blackberry and light vanilla aromas follow through to a medium-bodied palate, with silky tannins and a long, caressing finish. Soft and pretty. Best after 2011. 650 cases made. –JS
René Gabriel (17 Punkte)
Sattes, intensives Rubin. Offenes, zu Kopf steigendes Bouquet, reife Beeren, rotes Cassis, mitteldicht im Ansatz. Im Gaumen cremig, nebst den roten Früchten jetzt auch einen Hauch Honig von sehr reifem Traubengut zeigend, burgundischer Wein der früh und dann 10 Jahre lang sehr zu gefallen weiss. (17/20). 11: Leuchtendes Rubin, mittlere Dichte. Komplexes Bouquet, Kirschen und helle Würze, toskanisches Flair im Ansatz. Im Gaumen cremig, auch hier eine Aromatik zeigend, die man nicht spontan in Saint Emlion sucht, zeigt im Innern noch Biss und bleibt leicht kernig bei guten Anlagen.