2012 LYNCH BAGES / 靚次伯

Something about Chateau Lynch Bages

There are few chateaux that have marked the history of the Médoc like that of Château Lynch-Bages. It is on the “Batges” lands near Pauillac where this great wine adventure began in the 17th century. The Château, then known as “Cru de Lynch”, was owned by Thomas Lynch, son of John Lynch, a native of Galway (Ireland) and a Bordeaux trader. The reputation of Thomas Lynch’s wines was such that the Château was ranked among the Fifth Classified Growths in the prestigious classification of 1855 in honour of the World Fair in Paris.

In 1939, the Cazes family bought the Château with its 100 hectares of vineyards that made up the estate. A renaissance then began at Château Lynch-Bages. Divided into two parts, the vineyards are spread over the Bages plateau and near Château Mouton-Rothschild on gravel-sand soil that offers excellent drainage. At Château Lynch-Bages, Cabernet Savignon makes up 73% of the vines, and they have found all the necessary conditions to reveal their splendor, which is typical of this area of the Bordeaux vineyards. Château Lynch-Bages does not neglect the other typical Bordeaux grape varieties. There are 15% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot.

The history of the great wines of Château Lynch-Bages starts with the type of care given to the vines. Since 2008, the estate has used satellite technology to divide up its parcels. The wines take the time to build up their personality that start with the variety and terroir, and then progress to maturity and end with the harvest. After maceration, running-off, pressing, and malolactic fermentation all come at a decisive moment during the wine making process, which requires all the expertise of the estate’s technical teams. Recognized as one of Bordeaux’s most sought-after Classified Growths, Château Lynch-Bages offers the pleasure of powerful, opulent wines that have become more precise after each vintage. Elegant and structured, the wines are generous in their youth while becoming more aromatically complex as they age.

Color

Red

Region

France

Sub-Region

Pauillac

Vintage

2012

Size Price/BTL Total Price Availability
Out of stock
Out of stock

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FROM THE
EXPERTS

The 2012 Lynch-Bages is deep ruby/purple with tell-tale cassis notes. Medium-bodied, but somewhat foursquare and monolithic, it has well above average concentration, impressive purity and nicely integrated tannins and wood. Nevertheless, there is something bland and one-dimensional about Lynch-Bages in 2012, making it somewhat of a disappointment. Drink it over the next 12-15 years. Drink: 2015-2030.

Tasted en primeur at the château. The Lynch Bages 2012 is a blend of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot picked between 12th and 18th October and is being raised in 75% new oak just before the rains. It has a very attractive bouquet with crisp blackberry, sous-bois and graphite aromas that are very controlled. No frills here, but it does not need them. The palate is medium-bodied with taut tannins and again, crisp acidity. I like the line here - nicely focused with a grainy finish. Very fine. Tasted April 2013.

Aromas of blackcurrants, blueberries and lemons follow through to a full body, firm tannins and a fresh, clean finish. A little tight now but excellent. Precision to this. Back ended. Better in 2018.

The 2012 Lynch-Bages comes across as a bit bombastic and ripe. Mocha, plums, dark cherry, blackberry, licorice, tar and new oak are all evident in this slightly four-square Lynch Bages. Today, the 2012 comes in as somewhat disjointed and not fully put together. It will be interesting to see what further time in bottle brings. The blend is 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. Because of heat stress, yields were unusually low in 2012, and that may be the reason why the wine is a bit clumsy today. I would give the 2012 a few years to come together. Drink 2020-2037.