Grand Cru Classé (1982)

About this wine

The 1982 Château Lynch-Bages from Pauillac is a remarkable red wine that has aged gracefully over the decades. On the nose, it offers intense aromas of mint, lead pencil, and currants, leading into a full-bodied palate with velvety tannins and a finish that balances tension and freshness. The wine's deep color and complex bouquet reflect the exceptional conditions of the 1982 vintage, which is considered one of Bordeaux's finest. The vineyard's gravelly soil contributes to the wine's distinctive character, imparting notes of crème de cassis, autumnal underbrush, and cigar box nuances. This vintage stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Château Lynch-Bages, offering a harmonious blend of power and elegance that continues to captivate wine enthusiasts.

About the grape

In the 1982 Château Lynch-Bages Grand Cru Classé from Pauillac, the grape blend is predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. Cabernet Sauvignon, known for its thick skins and late ripening, thrives in Pauillac's gravelly soils, providing the wine with structure and aging potential. Merlot, which ripens earlier, adds softness and fruitiness, balancing the tannins of Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Franc contributes aromatic complexity and finesse, while Petit Verdot, though used in smaller quantities, imparts deep color and spicy notes. This combination of varietals reflects the traditional Bordeaux blending practice, enhancing the wine's depth and character.

Quick facts

• 🍷 The 1982 vintage of Château Lynch-Bages is renowned for its exceptional quality, often considered a benchmark for the estate.
• 🏆 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, with 'Lynch' originating from the Lynch family of Galway, Ireland, who owned the property in the 18th century.
• 🚀 In 1985, a bottle of Château Lynch-Bages accompanied French astronaut Patrick Baudry on a space mission, making it one of the first wines to travel to space.
• 🍇 The 1982 vintage is noted for its rich aromas of crème de cassis, blackberries, licorice, and cigar wrapper, offering a full-bodied and unctuous palate.

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.