Who makes it?
The story of Château Lynch-Bages is a rich tapestry that dates back to the 16th century, beginning with the ancient lands of "Batges" at the entrance of Pauillac. For centuries, this terroir was nurtured by generations of dedicated winegrowers, notably the Déjean family, who painstakingly unified the estate's plots throughout the 17th century. However, it was the arrival of the Lynch family from Ireland that truly transformed the estate. In 1750, Thomas Lynch acquired the Domaine de Bages, and his son, Michel Lynch, became a visionary pioneer in viticulture by selecting superior grape varieties and implementing innovative soil drainage systems. This commitment to progress continued into the 19th century when the estate embraced a technical revolution, installing a historic two-storey gravity-fed vat house designed by Pierre Skawinski—a marvel of winemaking heritage that remains preserved at the estate to this day.
How is it made?
Blanc de Lynch-Bages represents a modern milestone for this historic Grand Cru Classé, having first been released in 1990 as one of the earliest white wines of the Médoc. The 2024 vintage, themed "Ain’t No Mountain High Enough," is a tribute to the resilience of the vineyard team who navigated a challenging growing season marked by a wet spring and high disease pressure. The vines eventually found their balance during a dry, temperate summer that preserved the grapes' natural acidity and aromatic purity. To craft this sophisticated blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Muscadelle, the fruit underwent meticulous vinification, including cold maceration and fermentation in temperature-controlled barrels. This precise process, followed by six months of ageing on the lees with regular stirring, ensures the wine retains its signature freshness and complex structure.
What does it taste like?
The 2024 Blanc de Lynch-Bages is a vibrant expression of a unique vintage, characterized by its pale yellow hue and shimmering green highlights. On the nose, it reveals an immediate aromatic brightness, leading with the classic Sauvignon Blanc hallmarks of crisp citrus and elegant floral notes of boxwood. The palate is defined by its precision and liveliness, offering a beautiful balance between zesty energy and refined texture. While it displays wonderful freshness in its youth, this fine Bordeaux white is built to evolve, promising to develop harmonious floral complexity with further ageing. It is a wine of undeniable finesse, reflecting both the prestigious terroir of Pauillac and the expert craftsmanship of the Lynch-Bages winemaking team.
