Grand Cru Classé (1986)
SommeliAI Insights
A classic Pauillac with deep garnet color, offering aromas of black currants, cedar, and leather, leading to a full-bodied palate with firm tannins and a long finish.
About this wine
The 1986 Château Lynch-Bages presents a deep garnet hue, indicative of its maturity. On the nose, it offers aromas of black currants, cedar, and new saddle leather, reflecting its Pauillac heritage. The palate is full-bodied, showcasing firm tannins and flavors of underbrush, damp earth, and black fruits. This wine has a well-balanced structure with good depth and a tannic finish. Notably, it has the potential to age for over 40 years, making it a remarkable example of longevity in Bordeaux wines.
About the grape
In the 1986 Château Lynch-Bages Grand Cru Classé, the grape blend was predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. Cabernet Sauvignon, known for its deep color and tannic structure, thrives in Pauillac's gravelly soils, contributing to the wine's longevity. Merlot adds softness and ripe fruit flavors, balancing the firmness of Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Franc introduces aromatic complexity, while Petit Verdot, used sparingly, enhances color and adds subtle spice notes. This combination reflects the traditional Bordeaux blending practice, aiming for a harmonious and age-worthy wine.
Quick facts
- 🇮🇪 Château Lynch-Bages traces its origins to the 18th century when the Lynch family, of Irish descent, acquired the estate in 1749.
- 🍷 The 1986 vintage of Château Lynch-Bages is renowned for its exceptional quality and longevity, often considered one of the finest vintages produced by the estate.
- 🏞️ The estate's vineyards are situated on the Bages plateau, a gravelly hillock overlooking the Gironde estuary, providing optimal conditions for cultivating Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot.
- 🚀 In 1985, a bottle of Château Lynch-Bages was sent into space aboard the Discovery shuttle, making it one of the first wines to travel beyond Earth.
- 🔄 The estate's second wine, formerly known as Haut-Bages Averous, was renamed Echo de Lynch-Bages in 2008, drawing inspiration from the nymph Echo in Greek mythology.
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.
