2017 Château Lynch-Bages Echo

Château Lynch-Bages is a prominent wine estate located in the Pauillac appellation of Bordeaux, France. Classified as a Fifth Growth (Cinquième Cru) in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, it consistently performs at a level that many consider to be well above its official rank. The estate has been owned by the Cazes family since 1939 and is known for producing powerful, full-bodied wines primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon, with smaller proportions of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. Lynch-Bages has gained a strong international following and is often referred to as one of the "Super Seconds" of Bordeaux.

Pauillac is a prestigious appellation located in the Médoc region of Bordeaux, France. Known for producing some of the world's most renowned and expensive red wines, Pauillac is home to three of the five Bordeaux First Growths: Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Latour, and Château Mouton Rothschild. The region's terroir is characterized by well-drained gravel soils, ideal for growing Cabernet Sauvignon, which dominates the wine blends. Pauillac wines are typically full-bodied, tannic, and complex, with flavors of black currant, cedar, and tobacco. They are known for their exceptional aging potential. Pauillac's reputation for producing powerful, elegant, and long-lived wines has solidified its status as a benchmark for Bordeaux reds.

Château Lynch-Bages wines are deeply influenced by its prime location and soil composition. The estate's vineyards span approximately 100 hectares on the Bages plateau, featuring the classic Médoc soil profile of deep gravel beds over limestone subsoil. This terroir provides excellent drainage and heat retention, creating ideal conditions for ripening Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. The gravelly soils force the vines to grow deep root systems, contributing to the wine's complexity and concentration. Additionally, the estate's position allows for optimal sun exposure and benefits from the moderating influence of the nearby Gironde estuary, factors that collectively contribute to the production of consistently high-quality grapes and the resulting powerful, age-worthy wines.