Grand Cru Classé (1985)

About this wine

The 1985 Château Lynch-Bages from Pauillac presents a rich bouquet of blackberry, licorice, and fresh herbs, creating a full, round, and velvety experience. This vintage was honored as Wine Spectator's Wine of the Year in 1988, highlighting its exceptional quality. The wine's structure and balance have allowed it to age gracefully, maintaining its depth and complexity over the years. As a Fifth Growth in the 1855 Bordeaux classification, Château Lynch-Bages consistently produces wines that rival higher-ranked estates, showcasing the remarkable potential of the Pauillac terroir. This 1985 vintage stands as a testament to the estate's dedication to quality and tradition.

About the grape

In the 1985 Château Lynch-Bages Grand Cru Classé, the grape blend is predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon (73%), complemented by Merlot (15%), Cabernet Franc (10%), and Petit Verdot (2%). Cabernet Sauvignon, known for its thick skins and late ripening, thrives in Pauillac's gravelly soils, contributing structure and aging potential to the wine. Merlot, with its earlier ripening, adds softness and fruitiness, balancing the tannins of Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Franc imparts aromatic complexity and subtle spice notes, while Petit Verdot, though used sparingly, enhances color and adds depth with its robust tannins. This combination reflects the traditional Bordeaux blending practice, aiming for a harmonious and age-worthy wine.

Quick facts

• 🏆 The 1985 Château Lynch-Bages was named Wine Spectator's 'Wine of the Year' in 1988, highlighting its exceptional quality and acclaim.
• 🍷 Château Lynch-Bages is renowned for its consistent quality, even in challenging vintages, producing wines that age gracefully over decades.
• 🍇 The estate's vineyards are planted predominantly with Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, contributing to the wine's complexity and depth.
• 🌟 The 1985 vintage of Château Lynch-Bages is celebrated for its rich, full-bodied profile, featuring notes of blackberry, licorice, and fresh herbs, with a long, velvety finish.
• 🌍 Château Lynch-Bages has a history of innovation, including being one of the first Bordeaux estates to promote its wines in China in 1986, showcasing its global vision.

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.