Wines by Château Lynch Bages

Château Lynch Bages

The name AXA is closely linked to Lynch-Bages—but not because AXA owns the Pauillac estate. Rather, it was here that the idea of building a portfolio of top-tier wineries was, more or less, born. Lynch-Bages owner Jean-Michel Cazes was a close friend of AXA’s president and consulted him on the “collection”—but Cazes never let go of Lynch-Bages.
This estate holds great potential! Although it was classified as only a 5ème Cru in 1855 (a ranking already considered too low at the time), its wines from 90 hectares of vineyards are now among the most sought-after in the world. Perhaps its famous neighbor Mouton-Rothschild lends it some prestige? As expected on the Left Bank, over 70% of the vineyards are planted with Cabernet Sauvignon. Interestingly, 5 hectares are dedicated to white grape varieties.
Due to three centuries of British rule in the region, there is also an English connection in its history: from 1749 to 1824, the Irishman Thomas Lynch owned vineyards in the Bages commune. After a period of inconsistent quality, the estate was taken over in the 1930s by a talented and successful winemaker, leading to a steep rise in reputation.
Today, visitors to Bordeaux can stay at the estate’s own Hôtel Cordeillan-Bages and enjoy fine dining. However, those hoping to drink the château’s wines at reasonable prices there may be disappointed!