2011 Pauillac, Château Lynch-Bages
About Producer
Founded in the 18th century, the modern history of Lynch-Bages started in 1939 when it was bought by Jean-Charles Cazes who was the manager of the estate since 1933 for an absentee owner. André Cazes succeeded his father in 1968 and then persuaded his son Jean-Michel, who was in a corporate career in Paris, to return to Pauillac in 1973 to be at the helm of the property. It’s Jean-Michel Cazes (1935-2023), a larger-than-life character, who ‘created’ the Lynch-Bages we know today. Under his aegis massive transformations were rolled out, and thanks to his vision and tireless efforts, Lynch-Bages is now undeniably among the top flight in Médoc with wines far superior to its status of a 5th cru classé. Since 2006, the 100ha property is run by Jean-Michel's son, Jean-Charles.
Varietals
Blend of 72% cabernet sauvignon, 23% merlot, 3% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot.
About Appellation
Largest town in the Médoc and slighly more elevated than its surrounding area, Pauillac has always played an important role in the wine trade, notably when the city of Bordeaux lost its privilege and monopoly of wine exports to England in the 18th century. The vineyards cover 1,213ha and sit on well-drained sand and gravelly soils, with the best sites being located on rolling mounds, called 'croupes', that reach their highest point at 30m above sea level. Cabernet sauvignon is the predominant grape variety, albeit always blended with merlot, and to a lesser extent, with cabernet franc and petit verdot. Pauillac is home to 18 grands crus classés in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, including Lafite-Rothschild, Latour and Mouton-Rothschild (since 1973) as first growths.
Tasting Notes
Enthralling nose of dark fruits, tobacco, vanilla, allspices and forest floor, dense mouthfeel with seamless texture, round structure and good weight, oodles of rich flavours of black cherry, currant, plum, liquorice and coffee intermixed with subtle earthy undertones, fresh acidity and fluffy tannins carrying through a long, grippy finish. Having shed the tautness of its youth, this is a very enjoyable wine with lovely fruit purity and remarkable concentration, striking a perfect balance between confident power and alluring charm. Though lacking the levels of complexity and depth of greater years, it’s nevertheless quintessential Lynch-Bages with indisputable class, generous opulence and punching above its weight in a good but not outstanding vintage. (04/2022)