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

Composed of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc and without any new oak, the very deep purple-black colored 2018 Echo de Lynch Bages rolls seductively out of the glass with fragrant notes of candied violets, rose hip tea and fragrant soil over a core of crushed blackberries, warm blackcurrants and kirsch plus wafts of chocolate mint and crushed rocks. Full, rich, wonderfully concentrated and well structured, it has a solid backbone of firm, grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing long.

The dark plum and cassis fruit is focused and fresh, lined with subtle tobacco and incense hints. Light dusty and sanguine accents emerge on finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Score range: 89 - 92 — JM