2023 Château Lynch-Moussas, Pauillac, Bordeaux

The most widely planted grape in Bordeaux and a grape that has been on a relentless expansion drive throughout the world in the last decade. Merlot is adaptable to most soils and is relatively simple to cultivate. It is a vigorous naturally high yielding grape that requires savage pruning - over-cropped Merlot-based wines are dilute and bland. It is also vital to pick at optimum ripeness as Merlot can quickly lose its varietal characteristics if harvested overripe.

The aristocrat of the Médoc boasts 75 percent of the region’s First Growths, with Grand Cru Classés representing 84 percent of production. Pauillac's First Growths each have their own unique characteristics: Ch. Lafite Rothschild produces the region’s most aromatically-complex and subtly-flavoured wine, while – with its high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon – Ch. Mouton Rothschild can produce a decadently rich, fleshy and exotic wine.

Château Lynch-Moussas is a 5ème Cru Classé estate located in the south-west of the Pauillac wine appellation. Lynch-Moussas has been thoroughly renovated in the last 30 years and is now producing high quality claret. Lynch-Moussas's impressive château dates back to 1850, but the key date in Lynch-Moussas` history was 1969 when it was bought by Emile Castéja, owner of Château Batailley and négociant firm Borie-Manoux. Extensive replanting and much-needed modernisation in the cellars have transformed the quality of the wine. Lynch-Moussas is a typically a blend is Cabernet Sauvignon based and the wine is aged in 60% new oak barrels for between 12 and 18 months. The wines are rich in black fruits and display prominent vanilla notes. For a Pauillac, Lynch-Moussas contains a relatively high proportion of Merlot and is consequently a softer, silkier and lusher wine than many of its neighbours.