Wines Pauillac Château Lynch-Bages - Chateau Lynch Bages 5eme Cru Classe, Pauillac - 2000

Château Lynch-Bages 2000, a distinguished member of the 5ème Cru Classé, is an illustrious red wine from the Pauillac appellation in Bordeaux’s Médoc region. The 2000 vintage is widely celebrated for its exceptional quality, combining classic structure with opulent fruit ripeness. The blend for Lynch-Bages typically leans on Cabernet Sauvignon for its backbone and ageing potential, complemented by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and a small proportion of Petit Verdot. Vinification here is marked by rigorous selection, fermentation in stainless steel, and maturation in predominantly new French oak barrels, imparting complexity and depth. The wine, now over two decades old, offers refined yet powerful aromas of cassis, cedar, tobacco, graphite, and a subtle touch of leather, framed by polished tannins and a lingering, savoury finish.

Pauillac sits at the heart of the Médoc, flanked by the Gironde estuary, which moderates the maritime climate, protecting the vines from late frosts and promoting slow, even ripening. The soils of Pauillac are a tapestry of deep gravel over a limestone base, offering superb drainage and imparting characteristic mineral tension to the wines. Historically, this terroir has forged some of the world’s most age-worthy and sought-after Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines, renowned for their power, precision, and longevity.

As for food pairings, a mature Lynch-Bages pairs splendidly with roast lamb en croute, classic entrecôte à la bordelaise with a red wine and shallot sauce, or even a rich beef Wellington. Regional dishes, such as confit de canard or wild mushroom fricassée, also complement its earthy and evolved notes. Mature cheeses like aged Comté or Saint-Nectaire can provide a harmonious contrast to the wine’s structure.

For an optimal tasting experience, decant gently to separate any sediment and allow the wine to breathe 1-2 hours before serving. Serve at a temperature between 17 and 18°C to reveal the full spectrum of its bouquet and silky mouthfeel. This venerable vintage is drinking beautifully now, yet will continue to evolve gracefully in cellar conditions.