Viniou Reviews
Les Hauts de Lynch-Moussas 2008 is the second wine of Château Lynch-Moussas, situated in the prestigious Haut-Médoc appellation of Bordeaux. This cuvée, made primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, embodies the classic Médoc blend, offering a harmonious balance between fruit structure and refined tannins, typical for the vintage and terroir. The 2008 vintage stands out for its favourable growing conditions, with a cool, damp spring that gave way to a beautifully dry and sunny September—perfect for optimally ripening the grapes. Vinification is traditional, with careful extraction and ageing in French oak barrels, lending complexity, subtle spice, and finesse to the final wine.
The Haut-Médoc region stretches north of the city of Bordeaux along the left bank of the Gironde estuary. Its vineyards benefit from a temperate maritime climate, which ensures a long, steady ripening period, while the gravelly soils offer excellent drainage, encouraging deep root systems and healthy vines. This unique terroir, shaped by centuries of viticulture, helps produce reds that combine freshness, power, and ageing potential. Historically, this region is synonymous with some of the world’s most revered wines, with a tradition rooted in the art of blending, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and often smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.
For pairings, Les Hauts de Lynch-Moussas 2008 reveals its best attributes alongside classic dishes such as roast lamb with rosemary, entrecôte bordelaise, or a hearty beef stew. The wine’s structure and subtle oak complexity also work well with aged cheeses like Comté or Cantal. To showcase regional harmony, enjoy it with magret de canard or cassoulet.
For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine at 16-18°C after a brief decanting of about 30 minutes. This will allow the bouquet to open, highlighting elegant notes of blackcurrant, cedar, and earthy undertones. The wine is now at a lovely stage of maturity, promising a refined and balanced tasting experience.
