Chateau Lynch Bages 1995 & 2013
Although there are records of the Bages territory as far back as the 16th century, the history of wine production in the area really began in the 18th Century. From 1749 to 1824, the vineyard was owned by Thomas Lynch, the son of an Irishman from Galway who worked as a merchant in Bordeaux. Thomas Lynch managed the land wisely and produced high quality wines under the name of ”Cru de Lynch”. As part of the prestigious 1855 Classification, for the Exposition Universelle de Paris, his wine would soon be classified as one of the fifth growths.
I recently went to a Private Equity Wine Tasting Gala and I was able to taste the Lynch Bages 1995 side by side with the 2013. First the 1995, a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, aged for 15 months in French oak (70% new). Deep red with, brown edges, ripe fruit flavors and earthy spice. Tasting very well and showing its age, has plum flavors a touch of sweet spice with soft tannins. Well balanced, lingering with heavy earthy tones on the ending. Now the 2013, a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, aged for 18 months in French oak (75% new). Deep vivid red with complex fruit aromas and pepper spice. On the palate, big fruit flavors of blackberry and cherry with cedar, leather and pepper. Fine tannins with great aging potential, smooth and balanced on a lingering finish ending with minerality.
Cheers!