Pauillac fifth growth lynch- Bages has a deserved reputation for offering value. Yet with the 2009 vintage setting a new precedent for Bordeaux’s fine wine prices, there is speculation that this once-affordable estate will become an investor’s rather than a drinker’s wine.
Owned by the Cazes family since the 1930s, the château now performs like a second growth in terms of quality and price, and 2009 has been billed as ‘the greatest since the outstanding duo of 1989 and 1990’ by Robert Parker (RP). High release prices ensued, with the first tranche selling in London for £845 a case in bond, quickly rising to £1,120.
Leading merchants believe this sets the pace for future vintages of Lynch-Bages. Nick Pegna, managing director of Berry Bros Hong Kong, says, ‘It’s a concern that people are using the ’09s to reposition themselves. Lynch-Bages has taken that step. The wines are fantastic but it is a different proposition now to what we were selling 10 years ago.’
