Touring the barrel room at Lynch-Bages
We set up appointments several months ago to visit four Bordeaux Chateaus. Bordeaux is not like the Napa Valley or Sonoma, where wine country travelers can stop in at most wineries and taste wine without an appointment. In Bordeaux, almost all wineries require an appointment for a tour and tasting for a fee. During the harvest period, it is even more difficult to visit the wineries of Bordeaux. Much of the staff helps in some manner with harvest activities.
We also arranged to hire a driver to take us to the wineries. Having a tour driver is so much better than renting a car and doing the driving yourself. Our driver stopped in front of several Chateaus and famous vineyards to give us a brief explanation.
Our first visit was to Chateau Lynch-Bages in the Pauillac appellation of Bordeaux. The Cazes Family purchased the winery in 1934 and continues to operate the winery along with a cafe and small shops on the property. The Lynch-Bages red wine is one of Bordeaux’s most notable wines. Lynch-Bages also produces a wonderful White Bordeaux wine. White Bordeaux is a general classification because only the red wines can carry the appellation name. White Bordeaux wines are mostly Sauvignon Blanc, with some adding Semillon to the wine.
Following our in-depth tour on how wine is made at Lynch-Bages, we tasted two red wines. Lynch-Bages has a second label and also operates wineries in other parts of Bordeaux and France. We tasted the 2011 Ormez de Paz and the Gran Vin Lynch Bages.
A tasting of the 2011 Ormes de Paz and the Grand Vin Lynch Bages
After our tour and tasting, we walked just a short distance to the Cafe Lavinal. This is also operated by the Cazes Family, and it is a delectable way to culminate the Lynch Bages tour. Both the menu and the wine list are extensive and will suit many different palates. All in all our tour, tasting, and lunch were extremely enjoyable. To find out more about Lynch-Bages tour and tasting please see the Lynch Bages Website.
Cafe Lavinal
Our tour group at Lynch Bages