In the glass
Aroma: blackcurrant, plum, tobacco, light cedar, soft earth
Palate: red fruit, cassis, smooth tannins, fresh acidity, gentle smoke
Second wine of Lynch-Bages since 2007 (previously sold as Chateau Haut-Bages Averous). Higher Merlot component than the grand vin provides accessible fruit and earlier drinking; retains characteristic Lynch-Bages tobacco and cassis signature.
What it pairs with
-
Steak frites with herb butter
An accessible bistro pairing; the wine's cassis and soft earth complement steak without needing the full structure of the grand vin. -
Lamb merguez with harissa
Echo's fresher, lighter profile handles spice better than the full-bodied grand vin; the wine's cassis cools the heat. -
Mushroom risotto
Earthiness in the wine echoes the mushroom umami; medium body does not overwhelm a risotto.
How to serve Echo de Lynch-Bages
Allow 65 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and decant. Open 60 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
- Serve at 14-16°C. Cellar temperature (14-16°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a Burgundy bowl with a wide opening. The bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Steak frites with herb butter, Lamb merguez with harissa, Mushroom risotto. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
The Lynch-Bages second wine was sold for decades as Chateau Haut-Bages Averous. In 2007, it was rebranded Echo de Lynch-Bages for easier pronunciation and clearer branding as the estate's second label. The wine draws on fruit from younger vines and Merlot-dominant parcels.
- 2007 — Rebranded from Chateau Haut-Bages Averous to Echo de Lynch-Bages
Facts
- Producer
- Chateau Lynch-Bages
- Grapes
- Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Merlot (35%), Cabernet Franc (5%)
- Classification
- Pauillac AOC
- Oak
- 12 months in 35% new French oak barriques
- ABV
- 13.0%
- Price
- $40-70 at retail
- Drinking window
- 5-15 from vintage
- First vintage
- 2007
Scores
- Wine Advocate 90 (2020 vintage, reviewed 2023)
Frequently asked about Echo de Lynch-Bages
What does Echo de Lynch-Bages taste like?
On the nose, blackcurrant, plum, tobacco, light cedar, soft earth. On the palate, red fruit, cassis, smooth tannins, fresh acidity, gentle smoke. Structurally medium-bodied, medium tannins, medium acidity with a medium, fresh and clean finish. Second wine of Lynch-Bages since 2007 (previously sold as Chateau Haut-Bages Averous). Higher Merlot component than the grand vin provides accessible fruit and earlier drinking; retains characteristic Lynch-Bages tobacco and cassis signature.
When should I drink Echo de Lynch-Bages?
Drink 5-15 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Echo de Lynch-Bages?
Steak frites with herb butter is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Lamb merguez with harissa and Mushroom risotto. An accessible bistro pairing; the wine's cassis and soft earth complement steak without needing the full structure of the grand vin.
What grapes are in Echo de Lynch-Bages?
The blend is Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Merlot (35%), Cabernet Franc (5%). The wine is classified as Pauillac AOC.