Wines Pauillac Lynchbages - Echo - 2018

Viniou Reviews

Echo de Lynch-Bages 2018 is the esteemed second wine of Château Lynch-Bages, one of Pauillac’s most iconic Grand Cru estates. This cuvée is a classic Bordeaux blend, typically dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot and small amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, though the precise proportions can vary each vintage. The 2018 vintage is widely acclaimed, thanks to a warm, sunny growing season that produced wines of both power and finesse. The grapes are sourced from gravelly soils typical of Pauillac, lending the wine its characteristic structure and depth. In the cellar, Echo receives careful vinification and is aged in French oak barrels, with a portion of new wood, ensuring the wine develops complexity while maintaining accessibility in its youth.

Pauillac, nestled on the Left Bank of the Gironde estuary, is renowned for producing some of the world’s most celebrated Cabernet-based wines. The region’s gravelly soils provide excellent drainage and reflect sunlight, contributing to the optimal ripening of the grapes, while the nearby river helps moderate temperatures. Pauillac boasts a storied history, with its châteaux consistently delivering wines of intensity, elegance, and longevity. Echo de Lynch-Bages offers a modern expression of this tradition, with approachable tannins and vibrant fruit, making it sit perfectly between accessibility and cellar-worthy structure.

For food pairings, Echo de Lynch-Bages 2018 is an ideal companion to classic red meat dishes such as roasted lamb or grilled ribeye steak. Traditional Pauillac pairings include carré d’agneau (rack of lamb) with rosemary and garlic, as well as canard aux cèpes (duck with porcini mushrooms). The wine’s depth and structure also pair well with hearty stews like boeuf bourguignon or earthy mushroom dishes, and aged cheeses from the region such as Comté or Saint-Nectaire.

For optimal enjoyment, serve Echo de Lynch-Bages 2018 at a temperature between 16 and 18°C. Consider decanting the wine for an hour before serving to allow its aromatic profile of dark berries, cedar, tobacco, and graphite to fully express itself. This will ensure a rewarding tasting experience, whether savored now or after a few more years in your cellar.