Château Lynch-Bages 1994

About Château Lynch-Bages 1994

Château Lynch-Bages 1994 is a Cinquième Grand Cru Classé from Pauillac in the Médoc. The estate is located on the Bages gravel plateau on the outskirts of the town of Pauillac. It was classified in 1855. The Cazes family has been managing the château since the 1930s. 1994 brought a hot summer followed by rain during the harvest. Pauillac fared comparatively well within the Médoc. This bottle is over 30 years old. As a Pauillac red wine from a producer with a long tradition, it is a classic Bordeaux collector's wine.

Origin & Classification

Château Lynch-Bages is located in Pauillac in the Médoc. The vines grow on a gravel ridge overlooking the Gironde. This plateau is known as Bages. The name Lynch comes from an Irish family from Galway. John Lynch arrived in Bordeaux in 1691. His son, Thomas Lynch, acquired the estate in 1750 through marriage. The Lynch family owned it until 1824. In the 1855 classification, the estate was ranked as a Cinquième Grand Cru Classé, a status it holds to this day.

In the 1930s, Jean-Charles Cazes took over the estate. He had previously been a baker in Pauillac. His son, André Cazes, later became the mayor of Pauillac. His name appears on the label of the Château Lynch-Bages 1994: “A. Cazes Propriétaire à Pauillac.” André’s son, Jean-Michel Cazes, returned to Pauillac in 1973 and modernized the winery. In 1985, a bottle of Lynch-Bages flew into space aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery, making it the first wine in space. Today, the estate is managed by Jean-Charles Cazes, the son of Jean-Michel.

The soil consists of deep gravel over limestone. Cabernet Sauvignon defines the blend, complemented by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. This Pauillac red wine is a typical Cabernet-based Médoc blend. You can purchase this Château Lynch-Bages here.

The 1994 Vintage

The 1994 vintage began promisingly. Flowering was early and rapid. The summer was hot. On September 7th, heavy rain began and lasted for about two weeks. Cool temperatures prevented major rot. Early-harvested Merlot fared best. In the Médoc, Pauillac and Saint-Julien were considered the most successful appellations. The wines are considered firm and structured. 1994 followed three weak years, and was followed by the strong 1995 and 1996 vintages. For this reason, the 1994 is often in the shadow of its successors.

As a 1994 vintage wine, this bottle makes a perfect gift for a birth or wedding year. Collectors value this Bordeaux collector's wine for its famous name, classification, and age. Château Lynch-Bages 1994 complements any Pauillac collection. If you are looking to fill a gap in your Lynch-Bages vertical, you can purchase Château Lynch-Bages here.

FAQ

Is the Château Lynch-Bages 1994 still ready to drink?

The 1994 vintage is considered firm and structured. After more than 30 years, most Médoc wines of this vintage are fully mature. Whether this bottle is still drinkable depends on the cork and storage conditions. We cannot provide a guarantee for the wine inside given its age.

What does the fill level "Top Shoulder" mean for the Château Lynch-Bages 1994?

Top Shoulder means the wine is at the upper end of the bottle's shoulder, just below the neck. For a Bordeaux of this age, this is a good and common level. Over the years, a small portion of the wine evaporates through the cork. The fill level is clearly visible in the photos.

What does Cinquième Grand Cru Classé mean?

This refers to a Fifth Growth in the 1855 classification, which organizes Médoc red wines into five levels. Lynch-Bages belongs to the fifth level. The label simply says "Grand Cru Classé." The name is printed there without a hyphen: "Lynch Bages." It refers to the same estate.

Who is "A. Cazes" on the label?

That is André Cazes. He was part of the Lynch-Bages owning family and also served as mayor of Pauillac. The term "Propriétaire" identifies him as the owner.

Is the 1994 vintage wine suitable as a gift?

Yes. Anyone born or married in 1994 will receive a piece of their own history with this Pauillac red wine. As a 1994 vintage wine, it is perfect for birthdays and anniversaries. Please note the information regarding drinkability above.

Is the Château Lynch-Bages 1994 suitable as an investment?

We do not provide investment advice or yield promises. 1994 is not among the most sought-after Bordeaux vintages. However, Lynch-Bages is one of the most famous estates in Pauillac. As a Bordeaux collector's wine, its appeal lies in its name, classification, and age.