TN: 1989 Lynch Bages

[DavidG]

We found a gem of a place in Ocean City, Horizons, just a few blocks from our beach place that has a trove of old Bordeaux, Burgundy and California Cab, much of it at prices at or well below current market prices. Stored at 55 degrees - the bottles come out cold. Good to excellent food, great view of the ocean, friendly service as well. We first tried it the last time we were here because it appeared to be one of the only fine dining places in town to allow corkage (only $6/btl!). We brough a SQN Syrah that time and met Richard, the long-time manager and the one who convinced the owner to invest in purchasing and cellaring young wines as far back as the early 80s. So tonight we left our own wine at home and decided to take advantage of the list. On to the TN:

1989 Lynch Bages: A very reasonable $215 on the restaurant list, this came out of the 55-degree cellar and arrived at the table cold to the touch with a perfect fill and cork. Decanted at table, it was hard to resist as the nose was distinctly apparent from across the table, but it needed to warm up a bit. Poured some into the glass and cradled it in my palms for a few minutes. Dark red core, just a bit of lightening at rim, no bricking. Great nose of cassis with some fresh earth, tar and cigar box. Full body, great balance, dense and concentrated with ripe fruit and nice complexity which increased over 60 minutes of exposure to air, medium-long finish. Not yet fully into the sweet aged thing, I am convinced this will continue to improve, at least for those who like those tertiary characteristics of old Bordeaux. Outstanding-extraordinary.

I sent a glass back to Richard, who came out later to say that he tried a sip, gave it to the owner to try, only to find that the owner was not about to give up the rest of the pour. We helped him out with a little more.

[stefan]

Great score. $215 is way below low retail, and '89 Lynch is wonderful, as every BWEer knows.

[JimHow]

Nice!

[RDD]

Living right.............

[DavidG]

I think we will make this place a regular stop when we come to Ocean City. Food's not fantastic but it's definitely a few steps above just OK, and with the friendly vibe and the sweet wine list and low corkage, it's a must.

[Ramon_NYC]

A good find, indeed. Can't go wrong with a restaurant that has a great aged wine at retail prices.