Grape Wine Journey

The story behind the label and the faces behind the vineyards are all fascinating to me.  Having the opportunity to meet the owner of Chateau Lynch Bages is the main attraction for me.

I read an article in Wine Spectator sometime ago on an interview with Jean-Michel Cazes of Ch Lynch Bages.  He is a very well respected figure in the wine industry.  The article talked about how he brought the Chateau to international fame and also transformed the small village of Bages into a lively place with a bakery, a Bistro and a wine and gift shop.  Jean-Michel has retired now and his son Jean-Charles is running the family business.

The dinner was organized by Berry Bros and Jean-Charles is the guest of honor for the 8 course Chinese dinner at the China Club served with 8 wines.  China Club is an amazing place with all the paintings hanging on the hall and staircase which are all David Tang’s private collection.   The ambience was the perfect setting for the dinner.

I walked into the Library of the China Club and was greeted by a glass of BRR Champagne.  It was well balanced and fruity, and we all enjoyed it very much as the aperitif. 

I was much honored to be seated by the side of Jean-Charles Cazes.  He is a young and friendly gentleman.  We started with the 2006 Blanc de Ch Lynch Bages; it was the white wine from the Chateau.  He said with a smile that of all the wines we would be tasted, this is the only one he is accountable, as 2006 is the first vintage under his management. 

We tasted 6 reds from the Lynch Bages family:

2005 Ch Les Omes de Pez, St Estephe (ex-Chateau)

2003 Ch Lynch Bages

2000 Ch Lynch Bages

1996 Ch Lynch Bages

1990 Ch Les Omes de Pez, St Estephe

1989 Ch Lynch Bages

For Jean-Charles, 1989 was his favorite.  He described the wine as well structured and balanced wine.  This is at its peak.  We talked about the 2005 vintage, and how it was described as the greatest vintage of the century.  He recommended drinking 2003 vintage before 2000 vintage as 2000 vintage could be kept for many years to come.

After dinner, we walked out to the terrace of the China Club, having a glass of Champagne and enjoying the cool winter night in the heart of Central.  It was a fun evening as we talked about Robert Parker, Hugh Johnson, first growth’s value, role of negociant and so much more!