Our new Own Selection Pauillac comes from the state-of-the-art new winery at Château Lynch-Bages. The quality of the raw material is evident in the wine, says our Bordeaux Buyer Georgina Haacke.

What is it?

Our 2019 Own Selection Pauillac comes from our friends at Château Lynch-Bages. It benefits from the same techniques, technology and terroir as the other wines in the stable. The blend is similar to that of the grand vin, too: 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc.

The key difference is the age of the vines and the use of oak. The fruit is from younger vines and plots on the estate, and oak influence has been kept to a minimum. The aim is to produce an early-drinking and approachable wine that still has bags of Pauillac flavour.

Why is it different?

Pauillac is home to some of the Médoc’s best properties, including three of the First Growths. The gravel soils here on the banks of Gironde are renowned for producing Cabernet-rich wines with deep flavours of blackcurrant, tobacco and cedar. The best wines have power, elegance and a wonderful ability to age. This wine is made from younger vines, but from the same great terroir. It offers a taste of these Pauillac characteristics, but without the need to wait decades before opening it.

What does it taste like?

Juicy yet elegant, this has plenty of cassis character, and enough graphite minerality and cedar spice to bring complexity. It has been matured for 12 months in second- and third-fill oak barrels rather than new, so the oak influence doesn’t dominate. The quality of the Lynch-Bages terroir is evident in the wine’s purity. This is approachable and fruit-forward and is drinking fantastically now.

What should I eat it with?

Our new-vintage Pauillac is medium bodied with silky tannins, so you could match it with a wide range of dishes. Try it with some gently spiced chicken or a leg of lamb.

You can buy our 2019 Own Selection Pauillac or browse all of our Own Selection wines on bbr.com.