Welcome to your first taste of the 2024 vintage – the exciting first step in your winemaking journey.
Through this tasting, you will gain an understanding of the vintage and discover the individual characteristics of each of the twelve component parcels. You will also start to develop an idea of how they might work together in your blend.
Your comments and reactions throughout the tasting will be invaluable for us to better understand your palate and your winemaking objectives. The notes that we will write together will form the blueprint for your blending sessions, whether you choose to continue remotely, or travel to Bages.
How will the samples be sent?
You will receive an introductory tasting pack containing a 10cl bottle of each of our 12 component parcels. Each bottle is argon-protected and screw cap-sealed to ensure maximum freshness, however, we do request that you store your wines in a cool, dark place until your tasting.
How many people can participate?
Each tasting pack serves two people.
What equipment do I need?
Internet – for this tasting to be as informative, interactive, and enjoyable as possible, we need to be able to rely on a strong internet connection. Generally speaking, we use Google Meet. We can also use Microsoft Teams if you prefer.
Wine glasses - we will taste the wines in three flights: 5 Merlots, 2 Cabernet Francs and 5 Cabernet Sauvignons. We suggest that you prepare 5 identical glasses per taster.
Spittoon – this is optional, but highly recommended, especially as you will have to empty your glasses between flights.
Water – not to rinse your glasses between flights (we prefer to avoid that), but to quench your thirst.
Everything else is included in your introductory tasting pack. The Vineyard Parcels booklet will guide you through the tasting order, and we highly recommend that you use the glass circles (see below).
Setting up your tasting :
If you haven’t already booked a time for your introductory tasting, please do so by clicking on this link.
We request that you set up the tasting in advance. These are young barrel samples that will benefit hugely from a little air so please do feel free to pour the first five Merlots 10-15 minutes before the tasting. Note that we will empty the glasses after each flight and remove the relevant glass circles.
The tasting will take between 60-90 minutes, depending on your questions and comments.
The objective at the end of this tasting is to identify which are the parcels you would like to work with in your blend, as well as the overall style of your wine (ie Cabernet Sauvignon dominant).
What happens next?
There are two alternative ways to create your base blend :
1. Travel to Bages
Private blending sessions are available (Monday – Friday) with your designated winemaking consultant.
2. Continue to work remotely
Based on our discussion and your tasting preferences, we will work with the Lynch-Bages winemakers to create three alternative blends for your consideration.
If you haven’t already mapped out your winemaking journey, we will discuss this during your introductory tasting.