The 2020 Lynsolence, 100% old-vine Merlot, is even better than it was en primeur. Inky, deep and explosive, with remarkable energy, the 2020 is a rockstar. Crème de cassis, crushed rocks, lavender, spice and menthol are all vivid in the glass. This potent, deep Saint-Émilion is a winner. Superb. Tasted two times. -- Antonio Galloni

(93-95+ points) The 2020 Lynsolence is 100% Merlot, aging for 18 months in French oak barriques, 100% new. Deep purple-black in color, it charges out of the glass with energetic scents of fresh blackberries, crushed black cherries and ripe, juicy black plums, plus nuances of cedar chest, lilacs and licorice with a touch of dusty soil. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is jam-packed with taut black fruits, framed by firm, finely grained tannins and fantastic tension, finishing long and layered. The alcohol is 14.5% this year. - LPB

Aromas of ripe plums, chocolate bar, dark spices and little bit of tar. Medium- to full-bodied with a meaty structure. It’s chewy and textured with layers of chalky tannins and dark fruit character underneath. Lingering, velvety finish. Try from 2026.

Produced from 100% old vine Merlot, from vines more than 50 years of age is what makes this special. Deep in color, with black cherry liqueur, licorice, chocolate and flower notes are found in the perfume. On the palate, the wine is lush, supple and deep, with silky, polished tannins and a blast of chocolate covered black cherries, plums and a touch of salt in the long finish. Give it a year or two in the cellar for the oak to become better integrated and it should drink well for up to two decades. It was a sad day when this was tasted as earlier that afternoon, I learned that the passionate owner, Denis Barraud, one of the nicest people in St. Emilion had just passed away. 2020 is his final vintage where he saw it all the way through. Drink from 2024-2042. Read more at:https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/wine-tasting-note/?vintage=2020&wine=Lynsolence

(92+ points) The flagship cuvée from Denis Barraud, the 2020 Lynsolence comes from a tiny 2.5-hectare vineyard of gravelly soils over clay and limestone located on the lower plains of Saint-Emilion. As always, it’s all Merlot (from 55-year-old vines) that saw malolactic fermentation in barrels and was raised 18 months in 100% new French oak. Deep purple in color, with ample black raspberry, cassis, graphite, camphor, and background spicy oak, it’s medium to full-bodied, concentrated, dense, and velvety on the palate. It’s not for the oak averse, but it’s going to show a much more classic profile with 3-4 years of bottle age and evolve through 2035.