Chateau Lynch-Bages Blanc 2022 / 13% / 0.75 L

The history of the Château Lynch-Bages vineyard dates back deep into the history of the Pauillac region in Bordeaux.Its roots date back to the mid-18th century, when, in 1750, Thomas Lynch—a member of the Lynch family originally from Ireland—acquired the “Domaine de Bages” estate through his marriage.For a long time, the town of Bages had been a center of viticulture, and the soil itself consisted of a “gravel” formation on a prominent vineyard plot.

In the 19th century, the estate changed hands many times—the Lynch family sold it in 1824, after which it passed successively to the Jurine and Cayrou families.From 1934 to 1938, the vineyard came into the hands of the Jean-Charles Cazes family, and it has remained in the Cazes family’s possession ever since; the family has systematically developed both the vineyard and its production technology.

The vineyards themselves cover approximately 100 hectares on the left bank of the Gironde, on the Bages hill, with a well-drained layer of crushed gravel over a chalk subsoil.It is particularly noteworthy that, although the estate is primarily known for its red wines classified as 5e Cru Classé in the 1855 classification, its first white wine, “Blanc de Lynch-Bages,” making it one of the first estates in the Médoc to introduce white grape varieties alongside its dominant red wine production.

An interesting fact is the very origin of this white wine—it stems from a minor “accident”: some cuttings of white grape varieties were grafted onto or mixed with red ones, which led to the experimental production of a single barrel; the winery then decided to expand this line.In addition, the modernization of the production facility between approximately 2017 and 2020 included a new cellar designed by architects, incorporating gravity-flow technology and satellite monitoring of the vineyard.

The “Blanc de Lynch-Bages 2022” wine comes from this vineyard and is an expression of it in white form.This vintage is a blend of the following grape varieties: approximately 67% Sauvignon Blanc, 22% Sémillon, and 11% Muscadelle.They were harvested between August 25 and 31, with the fruit in excellent condition and ripening earlier than usual.After the harvest, the wine aged for 6 months in barrels, with 50% new oak.

Appearance: When poured, it displays a light, straw-yellow color with fresh greenish highlights, suggesting both the wine’s youth and its cooler aging conditions.

Aroma: The nose opens with citrus notes—lime, grapefruit—followed by accents of stone fruits (peach, apricot) and exotic tones of mango and pomegranate, while a delicate mineral undertone of gravel and chalk adds structure.

Taste: On the palate, the wine reveals wonderful freshness, combined with fullness and body—bold yet elegant.The acidity is well-balanced, and the fruitiness comes to the fore—citrus, white peach flesh, subtle exotic notes—while the finish is long and silky, with a hint of Mediterranean salt and minerality.We also find a light note of French oak here, but it’s not overpowering—rather, it serves as a subtle undertone..

Food Pairings: This wine pairs perfectly with seafood—especially raw or lightly grilled sea bream, lobster in a light lemon butter sauce, or oysters.It also pairs perfectly with white meat—veal in a creamy sauce, chicken tenderloin in a pepper sauce, or risotto with asparagus.In contrast, it can also be paired with aging Comté-style cheeses or young Cheddars, as its texture and freshness help balance the richness of the cheeses.