Château Lynch-Bages 2020

A Classified Growth from Pauillac, silky and aromatic

The estate

Located at the gates of Pauillac, the Château Lynch-Bages is an estate that has marked the history of the Médoc. While the Bages terroir has been known since the 16th century, it gained fame in the 18th century. Led by the son of an Irish citizen named Thomas Lynch, the Bages cru was recognized at the Paris Universal Exhibition. Entering the fold of the J-M Cazes family on the eve of the Second World War, Château Lynch-Bages is one of the most beautiful references of the Pauillac appellation.

In constant pursuit of excellence and innovation, Château Lynch-Bages carried out a new parcel division in 2006, breaking down the original 90 cadastral parcels into 180 to 200 sub-parcels. The 2020 vintage is the first vintage to be produced in the brand new facilities of Château Lynch-Bages. Designed by the architect Chien Chung (Didi) Pei, internationally recognized for his minimalist architectural style, this new vat room and its aging cellar are state-of-the-art tools aimed at magnifying through goldsmith vinifications the terroir of this emblematic property of the left bank of Bordeaux.

The vineyard

On the Garonne gravels of Pauillac, the 109 hectares of the Château Lynch-Bages vineyard are under the direction of Nicolas Labenne. The parcel division of the vineyard is refined thanks to the use of satellite technologies allowing to preserve the viticultural genetic heritage of the property. The homogeneous geology of the terroir allows a good supply of water to the vine on a territory where the climate is moderate.

The wine

The 2020 vintage marks a new beginning for Château Lynch-Bages through its new majestic and state-of-the-art cellar. The property unveils for this purpose a unique new label on which the vintage, traced by the hand of the architect Chien Chung Pei, is a subtle reference to the modernity of the new facilities that stand out from the profile of the old buildings, witnesses of the history of this emblematic property of Pauillac. 

The vintage

If the winter is marked by heavy rainfall, the mildness of spring favors the early development of the vine. At the end of April, despite some rainy episodes and a drop in temperatures, the cycle is 3 weeks ahead. The good conditions of May favor a homogeneous flowering.

The summer, dry, sunny and with beautiful thermal amplitudes, ensures an optimal maturation of the grapes. In mid-August, stormy episodes are beneficial for the maturity of the vineyard. The hot and dry conditions allow to harvest small berries with optimal concentration.

Vinification and aging

2020 is the first vintage vinified within new facilities. Manual harvest with selective sorting in the vineyard. Malolactic fermentations are carried out for two thirds in vats and one third in barrels. The aging is for a duration of 18 months in French oak barrels, 75% of which are new.

Blend

Cabernet sauvignon (60%)
Merlot (31%)
Cabernet franc (4%)
Petit verdot (5%).

Characteristics and tasting advice for Château Lynch-Bages 2020

Tasting

Château Lynch-Bages 2020 seduces with its concentration as well as the refinement of its tannins which blend with a beautiful freshness. It is a great vintage that completes by its quality and excellence the trilogy with 2018 and 2019.