Château Lynch-Bages, Pauillac Grand Cru Classé 5ème, Bordeaux, France 2009

76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot

Rich, ripe, and opulent, the 2009 has the highest level of polyphenols ever measured at Lynch-Bages, as well as high alcohol (nearly 13.5%). Gorgeous to taste, it may well remain so throughout its life, such is the ripeness of both fruit and tannin. One can imagine drinking the 09s young to enjoy the exuberance of their fruit, but much greater pleasure will be obtained through the exercise of patience.

Château Lynch-Bages is in the Pauillac commune of Bordeaux's Médoc region. Pauillac is famous for its full, rich Cabernet-based wines — and Château Lynch-Bages is one of the most well-known and well-regarded producers in the region. Owned and operated by Thomas Lynch from 1749-1824, the estate combines the winemaker's name and that of the village of Bages where it stands. Classified as a Fifth Growth in 1855, the quality of Lynch-Bages wine easily rivals higher growths.

The reputation of Lynch-Bages as a top quality wine producer took off in 1945 after a series of exceptional vintages. Since then, Lynch-Bages has continued to produce excellent wines, even during years considered difficult in the Bordeaux region. The wine’s deep color and tannic backbone have become part of its signature style.

Daring, innovative and with a reputation for often being the last to harvest, Jean-Charles Cazes defined the style of Lynch-Bages in the 1930s. The wine's distinctive character has earned it a place amongst Pauillac's greatest. It combines structure, finesse and elegance, offering generous aromas in its youth and developing deeper complexities with bottle age.

Jean-Michel Cazes, grandson of Jean-Charles, has worked hard to develop and refine the wine’s supple and smooth structure over the years. Vintage after vintage, the estate’s precise and excellent winemaking techniques have served to firmly establish the Lynch-Bages reputation for consistent quality.

Aged in French oak barrels for 15 months (70% new wood).