Chateau Lynch Bages 2017

Château Lynch-Bages, a prestigious Fifth Growth estate in Pauillac has produced acclaimed wines since the 18th century. Purchased by the Cazes family in 1939, the estate has combined tradition with continuous innovation. In 2017, a new gravity-flow winery designed by architect Chien Chung Pei was completed, featuring modern destemmers, crushers, horizontal presses, 80 stainless steel tanks for plot-by-plot vinification and a barrel cellar built underground for environmental control. Soil health, precise vineyard mapping and sustainable practices help the estate maintain consistency and expression of terroir. The 2017 vintage benefitted from a warm growing season, allowing for optimal ripening of the grapes and resulting in a wine of depth and structure. The 2017 vintage is drinking beautifully now, with the potential to age gracefully for years to come.

The 2017 Château Lynch-Bages is a classic Left Bank blend dominated by 70% Cabernet Sauvignon with 24% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Grapes are hand-picked, destemmed and sorted, then fermented in small stainless steel vats with temperature control. Malolactic fermentation is partly in vat and partly in oak barrels. The wine is aged approximately 18 months in 60-70% new French oak, giving aromas of cassis, cedar, graphite and spice, framed by firm tannins and a lengthy, powerful finish. Excellent with roast lamb, beef rib-eye or aged cheeses like Comté or Pecorino.