Château Lynch-Bages 2014 from Pauillac in Bordeaux, is a Cabernet Sauvignon led wine, with blackcurrant, cedar and violet. Jane Anson rated it 97 POINTS and judged the 2014 equal to the 2015. A great value wine for everyone who likes structured, classic Left Bank claret.
In the glass it shows a deep, inky plum colour, then ripe plum, graphite, liquorice and a lift of violets. The tannins are firm and chewy, and the finish is long.
This is a wine for those of us who enjoy a classic Pauillac with real grip. It would pair well with roast lamb or a good steak, and it rewards being decanted for an hour before serving.
What it tastes like
Jane Anson found ripe fruit, graphite, pencil lead, violet, cassis and liquorice, with firm, chewy, well-defined tannins. William Kelley described blackcurrant fruit with loam, cedar and vanilla, and a full-bodied, layered palate with lively acidity. Neal Martin found tart red cherry and blackberry, cedar and mint, with a spicy note towards the finish. Lisa Perrotti-Brown described blackcurrant jelly, sour cherry, cedar, leather and dried lavender, and a taut palate that ended in a long, savoury finish.
Style at a glance
- Body: medium to full
- Sweetness: dry
- Acidity: lively
- Tannin: firm and grainy, becoming silkier with age
- Oak: 18 months in barrel, 75% new, which adds cedar and a hint of vanilla
- Style: classic, structured Pauillac
Food to enjoy this with
- Slow-roasted lamb shoulder with rosemary
- Grilled ribeye or rump steak
- Braised beef cheeks
- Roast duck breast
- Aged hard cheese such as Gruyère or aged Gouda
- Mushroom risotto, which suits the wine's savoury, herby side
Who makes it
Château Lynch-Bages takes part of its name from the hamlet of Batges, home to generations of winegrowers from the 16th century. Its major winemaking history began in the 18th century with the arrival of the Lynch family. Jean-Charles Cazes took the tenancy in 1934 and bought the property in 1939, and the Cazes family still owns it.
The vineyard covers 90 hectares at Bages, just south of the town of Pauillac. It is planted to 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. The wine is classified a Fifth Growth (5ème Cru Classé).
For the 2014 vintage, the blend was 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. The wine was aged for 18 months in French oak, 75% new, with Eric Boissenot as consultant.
About the vintage
Jane Anson judged the 2014 equal to the 2015 in the northern Médoc. Neal Martin reported yields of about 40 hl/ha, below the Estate's earlier prediction.
Critic scores and ratings
- 97 POINTS – Jane Anson – Inside Bordeaux, April 2022
- 96 POINTS – James Suckling – JamesSuckling.com, February 2017
- 95 POINTS – William Kelley – The Wine Advocate, February 2022
- 94 POINTS – James Molesworth – Wine Spectator, February 2017
- 93 POINTS – Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW – The Wine Independent, March 2024
- 93 POINTS – Jeb Dunnuck – JebDunnuck.com
- 92 POINTS – Neal Martin – Vinous, July 2023
When to drink it
Jane Anson gives a drinking window of 2024–2044, and William Kelley's window for The Wine Advocate runs from 2028 to 2068. Neal Martin found it ready to drink at a blind tasting in March 2024 and expected it to keep for 15 to 20 years.
Technical details
| Producer: |
Château Lynch-Bages |
| Wine: |
Château Lynch-Bages |
| Vintage: |
2014 |
| Variety: |
69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot |
| Region: |
Pauillac, Bordeaux |
| Country: |
France |
| Classification: |
5ème Cru Classé |
| Alcohol: |
13.5% |
| Oak: |
18 months, 75% new French oak |
Where to buy
The Château Lynch-Bages 2014 is available online at thewineryonline.co.nz for delivery within New Zealand. You can also buy it at our Queenstown and Arrowtown wine stores, alongside a large range of New Zealand and international wine. Online and in both stores you can select a mixed case from a large range of wines.
Questions we are often asked
What is Château Lynch-Bages?
Château Lynch-Bages is a Fifth Growth (5ème Cru Classé) estate in Pauillac, Bordeaux. It has been owned by the Cazes family since 1939.
What grapes are in Château Lynch-Bages 2014?
The 2014 is a blend of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot.
Is Château Lynch-Bages 2014 ready to drink?
Yes. Neal Martin of Vinous found it ready to drink at a March 2024 tasting and expected it to keep for 15 to 20 years. Decanting it for an hour helps.
How long can I cellar Château Lynch-Bages 2014?
Jane Anson suggests drinking it between 2024 and 2044, while William Kelley gives a longer window of 2028 to 2068.
What food goes with Château Lynch-Bages 2014?
Its firm tannins suit roast lamb, grilled steak and braised beef, and aged hard cheese also works well.
Where can I buy Château Lynch-Bages 2014?
The Winery sells Château Lynch-Bages 2014 online at thewineryonline.co.nz for delivery within New Zealand. You can also buy it in our Queenstown and Arrowtown wine stores.
