CHATEAU CROIZET-BAGES

Château Croizet Bages is a winery in the Pauillac appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. The wine produced here was classified as one of eighteen Cinquièmes Crus (Fifth Growths) in the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855.

It is one of the best-known Médoc estates. During the first half of the 18th century, the Croizet brothers purchased several small parcels of Bordeaux vineyards and named the estate Chateau Croizet Bages. It had changed hands during the past years. Since 1973 it has been owned by the enigmatic Jean-Michel Cazes and is now run by his son, Jean-Charles. 

Vineyards, Terroir, and Winemaking

Lynch Bages's vineyards are superbly sited on a plateau west of Pauillac town, in the small village of Bages. On average, the vines are close to 35 years of age. The vineyard has a terroir of gravel and sand soil on the Bages plateau. The 90 hectares of vineyards is planted to 75%, Cabernet Sauvignon 15%, Merlot 10%Cabernet Franc. 

For the reds, fermentation is temperature-controlled with extensive 'remontage' to ensure concentration and depth of colour. A special system of pipes transfers the wine from the cuves to the oak barriques (60% new) where it matures for 15 months.

Lynch Bages can be surprisingly soft and approachable when young. However, when fully mature, it develops a succulent richness and a heavenly bouquet of minty blackcurrants and cigar boxes.