Grand Cru Classé (1989)
SommeliAI Insights
A full-bodied Pauillac with rich blackcurrant flavors, hints of tobacco, and a long, elegant finish.
About this wine
The 1989 Château Lynch-Bages from Pauillac is a remarkable wine that showcases the excellence of its vintage. On the nose, it presents pure and intense aromas of cassis, pencil shavings, spring flowers, and hints of cigar wrapper. The palate is full-bodied, deep, and multidimensional, with a seamless and concentrated structure. It features a rich core of fruit, ripe tannins, and a beautifully defined finish. This wine has been noted to surpass all three of Pauillac's first growths in 1989, highlighting its exceptional quality.
About the grape
In the 1989 Château Lynch-Bages Grand Cru Classé, the grape blend was composed of approximately 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc. Cabernet Sauvignon, the dominant grape, thrives in Pauillac's gravelly soils, contributing to the wine's structure and aging potential. Merlot adds softness and roundness, balancing the tannins of Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Franc introduces aromatic complexity and subtle spice notes. This combination reflects the traditional Bordeaux blending practice, enhancing the wine's depth and longevity.
Quick facts
- 🍷 The 1989 Château Lynch-Bages is renowned for its exceptional quality, often considered one of the finest vintages produced by the estate.
- 🍇 This vintage is composed of a blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot, reflecting the classic Pauillac style.
- 🛢️ The wine underwent traditional vinification methods, including fermentation in thermoregulated steel vats and aging for 18 months in French oak barrels, 75% of which were new.
- 🏆 In 1992, Wine Spectator ranked the 1989 Château Lynch-Bages as the 9th best wine in their Top 100 list, highlighting its outstanding reputation.
- ⏳ The 1989 vintage is celebrated for its longevity, with a drinking window extending from 2000 to 2060, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy its evolution over decades.
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.
