Chateau Lynch-Bages 2018

A great Pauillac wine, powerful and silky

The estate

Located at the entrance to Pauillac, Château Lynch-Bages is an estate that has left its mark on the history of the Médoc. Although the Bages terroir has been known since the 16th century, it gained renown in the 18th century. Under the stewardship of the son of an Irish citizen named Thomas Lynch, the Bages cru was recognized at the Paris World’s Fair. Brought into the fold of the J-M Cazes family on the eve of the Second World War, Château Lynch-Bages is one of the most illustrious references of the Pauillac appellation.

In a constant quest for excellence and innovation, Château Lynch-Bages undertook in 2006 a new plot-by-plot mapping, dividing 90 original cadastral parcels into 180 to 200 sub-plots. The 2020 vintage was the first to be produced in Château Lynch-Bages’ brand-new facilities. Designed by architect Chien Chung (Didi) Pei, internationally renowned for his clean architectural style, this new vat room and barrel cellar are state-of-the-art tools intended to showcase, through precision winemaking, the terroir of this emblematic Pauillac estate.

The vineyard

Château Lynch-Bages 2018 is a Pauillac wine from a 100-hectare vineyard planted on Garonne gravel. The vineyard’s plot division has been refined thanks to satellite technologies that preserve the estate’s viticultural genetic heritage. The terroir’s homogeneous geology allows the vines to be well supplied with water in an area with a temperate climate.

The vintage

A vintage marked by sharp climatic contrasts, the year 2018 unfolded in two distinct phases. The first part of the year saw rainy conditions with a cold, wet winter, while spring brought abundant precipitation. The summer that set in from July onwards was characterized by high temperatures. Harvesting began serenely on September 19 and ended on October 9, with grapes in perfect health, boasting high sugar levels and beautiful polyphenols.

Winemaking and aging

Manual harvest with selective sorting in the vineyard. Aging for 18 months in French oak barrels, 75% of which are new.

Blend

Cabernet Sauvignon (72%), Merlot (19%), Cabernet Franc (6%), Petit Verdot (3%).

Tasting characteristics and recommendations for Château Lynch-Bages 2018

Tasting

Nose
On the nose, the wine charms with notes of dark chocolate and spice.

Palate
Powerful, the palate is broad and generous, structured by beautifully crafted, delightfully silky tannins. Freshness carries through to a long, persistent finish. A truly great vintage for Château Lynch-Bages.