Wines Pauillac Lynch Bages - 2022

Viniou Reviews

Château Lynch-Bages 2022 is a distinguished red wine from Pauillac, in the heart of Bordeaux’s Médoc region. Crafted predominantly from Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, this Grand Cru Classé stands out for its structure, depth, and age-worthiness. The 2022 vintage, shaped by a warm and dry growing season, offers a generous and ripe profile with ample concentration. Expect dark fruit aromas such as blackcurrant, blackberry, and plum, intertwined with notes of graphite, cedar, and spices – classic hallmarks of Lynch-Bages. The meticulous vinification includes traditional fermentation in thermoregulated vats, followed by maturation in high-quality French oak barrels, imparting fine tannins and subtle toasty nuances.

Pauillac is recognised as one of the most prestigious appellations in the Médoc, with a terroir defined by its deep gravel soils over limestone subsoils. These gravelly ridges provide excellent drainage, essential for the deep-rooted vines, and help to capture and radiate heat, further ripening the grapes and enhancing aromatic complexity. The proximity to the Gironde estuary moderates the climate, protecting the vineyards from extreme temperatures and fostering a long, gradual grape maturation period. Historically, Pauillac has been revered for its powerful, long-lived red wines made mainly from Cabernet Sauvignon, and Lynch-Bages is a celebrated name with a reputation for consistency and elegance.

Given its bold, structured character, Château Lynch-Bages 2022 pairs beautifully with classic French dishes such as roast rack of lamb with rosemary, entrecôte à la bordelaise, or duck breast with blackcurrant sauce. Mature cheeses like Comté or aged Gouda also complement its depth, while regional Pauillac lamb is a time-honoured match. For a refined experience, consider pairing it with venison or beef Wellington, where the wine’s firm tannins and vibrant acidity will cut through the richness of the meat.

To fully appreciate the complexity of this young Pauillac, serve it at 16-18°C. Decanting for one to two hours before pouring will help open up its bouquet and soften the tannins. While it can be enjoyed in its youth for its concentrated fruit, this wine promises wonderful evolution in the cellar over the next two to three decades.