Echo de Lynch-Bages 2012 is the elegant second wine of the renowned Château Lynch-Bages in Pauillac, Bordeaux. Crafted from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this vintage reflects the classic structure and refinement of Pauillac while offering an earlier-drinking style than the Grand Vin. After more than a decade of bottle ageing, the wine reveals layers of blackcurrant, dark plum, graphite, cedar, tobacco and subtle spice, supported by fine tannins and fresh acidity. The 2012 vintage combines ripe fruit concentration with balance and approachability, making it an excellent choice for Bordeaux enthusiasts seeking a mature Left Bank wine at outstanding value. Enjoy now or cellar for further development. Perfect with roasted lamb, grilled ribeye steak, game dishes and aged cheeses.

James Suckling | JS 90
Published: Feb 22, 2015

Aromas and flavors of tar, berries and dark chocolate. Full body, relatively firm tannins and a finish that fills the palate. Well done. Second wine of Lynch-Bages.

Wine Spectator | WS 89
Published: Mar 31, 2015

Shows the vintage's austere edge, with alder and iron notes pinching a bit, but the core is solid, featuring dark plum, black cherry and currant notes that have meshed well. A bright sanguine thread runs through the finish. Best from 2017 through 2021.

The Wine Advocate | RP 85-87
Published: May 6, 2013

Tasted en primeur at the chateau. A blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, the Echo has a well-defined, graphite infused bouquet that is tightly wound at the moment. The palate is nicely defined and citric fresh although there is a little hardness towards the finish. Tasted April 2013.

Vivino | Vivino 4.0

It displays a striking colour and an expressive nose on aromas of black fruits and spices. The attack is lively and racy and the still-fiery tannins are sure to mellow as ageing takes place in one-wine barrels.

Lynchbages.com

The story behind the name…

On Mount Olympus… According to Greek mythology, Zeus – a sometimes fickle husband – entrusted the nymph Echo with distracting his wife Hera by engaging her in endless chatter when he wished to tarry with some beautiful mortal. Hera, on discovering this little game, pronounced sentence on the nymph with the following words: “You will never be the first to speak, but you will always have the last word”. Echo’s life had changed forever, but that is another story…

Back in Bordeaux… Château Haut-Bages Averous is a property in Pauillac, acquired some time ago by André Cazes. For over 30 years, it was Lynch-Bages’ second wine. In 2008, a new identity was given to the second wine, under the name “Echo de Lynch-Bages”.

Echo de Lynch-Bages displays savoury aromas of fresh red fruits. Round, mellow and seductive in its youth, its ability to age is outstanding.

- 2012 -

A variable winter and a cool rainy spring, failed to make up the water deficit that had accumulated over several years.

Hot and dry weather ensued with the occasional peaks in temperature from july 15th to september 24th further accentuating the water deficit. These particular climatic conditions brought about local difficulties, prompting disparities in maturity with small berries. Following a similar pattern to the flowering, veraison remained slow.

Our soils, consisting as they do of a combination of deep gravels and a sizeable clayey layer, allayed the negative effect of the considerable water deficit. They helped maintain a regular level of sugar even in very dry conditions.

The grapes remained very healthy until the last week of September. Harvesting began on 27th September until October 18th.

2012 vintage delivers classic-style ripe, balanced wines, boasting intense colours and a very decent tannic structure.

Blend
57% cabernet sauvignon
33% merlot
10% cabernet franc