In the glass
Aroma: citrus blossom, lemon zest, white peach, grass, subtle vanilla
Palate: grapefruit, fresh green apple, toasted hazelnut, crisp mineral acidity
Historically one of the first white wines produced by a Grand Cru Classe in the Medoc. Primarily Sauvignon Blanc driven with Semillon body; partially barrel-fermented but retains freshness through tank-vinified component.
What it pairs with
-
Sole meuniere
Classic white Bordeaux pairing; citrus and Sauvignon Blanc freshness cuts the browned butter without competing. -
Grilled prawns with garlic butter
The wine's high acidity and citrus notes balance the richness of butter while Muscadelle adds floral lift to shellfish. -
Fresh goat cheese with herbs
Sauvignon Blanc's grassy acidity is the classic partner to fresh chevre; Semillon adds creamy weight.
How to serve Blanc de Lynch-Bages
Allow 5 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and pour. Open and pour directly. No decanting required for this style.
- Serve at 8-10°C. Cellar temperature (8-10°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a smaller all-purpose white glass. The bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Sole meuniere, Grilled prawns with garlic butter, Fresh goat cheese with herbs. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
Blanc de Lynch-Bages was first produced with the 1990 vintage, an early white wine project among the Medoc Grand Cru Classe estates. The white vines are planted on distinct sandy parcels separate from the main Cabernet-dominant vineyards.
- 1990 — First vintage; one of the first white wines from a Medoc Grand Cru Classe estate
- 1990 — Debut vintage of Blanc de Lynch-Bages released, an early white wine project among Medoc Grand Cru Classe estates
Facts
- Producer
- Chateau Lynch-Bages
- Grapes
- Sauvignon Blanc (53%), Semillon (32%), Muscadelle (15%)
- Classification
- Bordeaux AOC
- Oak
- 50% new French oak, 20% one-year-old barrels, 30% tank vinification
- ABV
- 13.0%
- Price
- $50-80 at retail
- Drinking window
- 3-12 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1990
Scores
- Wine Spectator 91 (2022 vintage, reviewed 2024)
Frequently asked about Blanc de Lynch-Bages
What does Blanc de Lynch-Bages taste like?
On the nose, citrus blossom, lemon zest, white peach, grass, subtle vanilla. On the palate, grapefruit, fresh green apple, toasted hazelnut, crisp mineral acidity. Structurally medium-bodied, high acidity with a bright and persistent finish. Historically one of the first white wines produced by a Grand Cru Classe in the Medoc. Primarily Sauvignon Blanc driven with Semillon body; partially barrel-fermented but retains freshness through tank-vinified component.
When should I drink Blanc de Lynch-Bages?
Drink 3-12 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Blanc de Lynch-Bages?
Sole meuniere is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Grilled prawns with garlic butter and Fresh goat cheese with herbs. Classic white Bordeaux pairing; citrus and Sauvignon Blanc freshness cuts the browned butter without competing.
What grapes are in Blanc de Lynch-Bages?
The blend is Sauvignon Blanc (53%), Semillon (32%), Muscadelle (15%). The wine is classified as Bordeaux AOC.