Grand Cru Classé (1983)

About this wine

The 1983 Château Lynch-Bages from Pauillac presents a complex bouquet of fresh tobacco, cedar, and coffee, reflecting its maturity. On the palate, it is full-bodied and silky, with flavors of ripe red cherries, raisins, and subtle chocolate notes. The tannins are well-integrated, providing a smooth texture, while the balanced acidity adds freshness. The finish is long and refined, leaving lingering impressions of its intricate flavors. This vintage showcases the estate's ability to produce wines that age gracefully, offering depth and elegance over time.

About the grape

Château Lynch-Bages, located in Pauillac, Bordeaux, crafts its wines primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. Cabernet Sauvignon, the dominant grape, thrives in Pauillac's gravelly soils, contributing structure and aging potential. Merlot adds softness and ripe fruit flavors, balancing Cabernet Sauvignon's tannins. Cabernet Franc introduces aromatic complexity and subtle spice, while Petit Verdot, though used sparingly, enhances color and adds depth. This blend reflects the estate's commitment to producing balanced and age-worthy wines.

Quick facts

• 🏆 Château Lynch-Bages was classified as a Fifth Growth in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, yet it consistently produces wines that rival higher-ranked estates.
• 🇮🇪 The estate's name reflects its Irish heritage, as the Lynch family, originally from Galway, Ireland, owned the property from 1749 to 1824.
• 🚀 In 1985, a bottle of Château Lynch-Bages was sent into space aboard a French-American space shuttle mission, making it one of the first wines to travel beyond Earth.
• 🍷 The 1983 vintage of Château Lynch-Bages is noted for its impressive finesse, with aromas of fresh tobacco, cedar, and coffee, and is considered ready to drink now.
• 🏰 The estate's old vat-house, used until 1976, is a rare example of traditional winemaking equipment in the Médoc region, showcasing the historical winemaking techniques of the 19th century.

Palate profile

Producer

Château Lynch-Bages, located in Pauillac, France, traces its origins to the 16th century in the hamlet of Bages. In 1749, Thomas Lynch, an Irishman from Galway, inherited the estate through marriage and managed it for 75 years, producing wines under the name "Cru de Lynch." The property changed hands multiple times before Jean-Charles Cazes leased it in the 1930s and purchased it in 1939; the Cazes family has managed the estate ever since. Notably, in 1985, a bottle of Lynch-Bages became the first wine to travel into space aboard the Discovery shuttle. The estate underwent significant renovations between 2017 and 2021, modernizing its winemaking facilities while preserving its rich heritage.