# Château Pontac-Lynch (2017)

- **Producer:** GFA du Château Pontac-Lynch
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
- **Region:** Bordeaux, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.0%
- **Average price:** €35
- **Vegan:** No
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, plum, mint, orange, violet, vanilla, cedar, forest floor, tobacco

## About this wine

Château Pontac-Lynch is a historic estate located in the prestigious Margaux appellation of Bordeaux's Left Bank. Originally built in 1720 as a hunting lodge for Count Lynch, the estate is situated in a quiet oasis in Cantenac, bordered by legendary neighbors like Château Margaux, Château Palmer, and Château d'Issan. Since 1952, the estate has been managed by the Bondon family, now in its fourth generation. The 2017 vintage represents a unique moment in the estate's history, captured just before a significant portion of its vineyards was sold to Château d'Issan in 2020, making this vintage a rare time capsule of the property's original terroir footprint.

## Interesting facts

- Bordered on all sides by legendary estates, its immediate neighbors include Château Margaux, Château Palmer, and Château d'Issan.
- The 2017 vintage won the prestigious Gold Medal (Médaille d'Or) at the Challenge International du Vin in 2019.
- This vintage is a 'time capsule' of the estate's original footprint, before selling 6 hectares of its vineyards to Château d'Issan in 2020.

## Food pairing

This classic Margaux red blend pairs beautifully with rich, savory meats and earthy dishes. The wine's fresh acidity cuts through the fat of duck and lamb, while its fine, silky tannins are softened by the proteins in beef. The subtle cedar and minty undertones complement wood-grilled flavors and aromatic herbs like rosemary.

## Wine making process

The grapes are harvested 100% manually. Vinification is conducted plot-by-plot to preserve terroir expression. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled concrete tanks at 27°C–28°C, following a cold pre-fermentation maceration at 10°C–12°C. The total maceration period lasts between two to four weeks. The wine is aged for 12 months in classic French oak barrels, with a portion of new oak ranging from 35% to 50%. Finally, the wine is bottled unfiltered after traditional fining with egg whites.