Spring 2020

What were some early lessons for you as a young manager?
In my younger professional years, working in the United States, where people tend to have a more open style of management, was a great opportunity. I learned how important it is to listen to others and let everyone express their opinions.

Where did you go to college?
I attended Business School in Paris that included a one-year program in Japan and New York.

What’s the biggest challenge facing the wine industry today?
At this time, our industry has many challenges to face. World economy and political situation is… tense: We export nearly 80 percent of our production. This is the result of several centuries of strong trade relations with many countries in Europe and elsewhere around the world. We are now facing consequences of various trade (or military) conflicts. The projected US tariffs which are intended to cripple our efforts is a perfect example of the problems to come. It will only produce losers, on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. There are also uncertainties that will impact our activity: Brexit in the UK, the Hong-Kong demonstrations, South-Eastern Asia economic slowdown are just a few examples. Pricing has become a complicated problem. We will need to adapt to maintain our presence on our traditional markets and make every effort to keep in touch with our customers.

Of course, our wines age well, and it is one of their many qualities. Still, we need to remember we have to keep in close contact with the younger generation of wine lovers. This is another challenge: We must stay relevant and learn how to use all the available means to promote our region and our wines. A presence on the new social media is key.

We are also constantly reconsidering our agricultural and winemaking techniques and we adapt to the newest technologies. This leads to higher quality and more consistent products. Vineyard management in particular has made tremendous progress since the beginning of the present century. But we are far from seeing the end of it. There is a lot of research being done that will lead at a rapid pace towards new technical improvements in the field and in the cellars.

Tell us about your family and children.
I am married and have three daughters. I am very proud to say they all love wine and good food. Even though my daughters were born in the United States from a Persian father, they have their roots in Pauillac and recognize their true origin in the Médoc region! The Bordeaux genes are strongly rooted!

What don’t most people know about Pauillac wines?
One of the most prestigious wine “appellations” in France, Pauillac is known worldwide for being the kingdom for Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. The Lynch-Bages estate, at the center of the appellation is typical of the Pauillac “terroir”. The surprise comes from the white grapes that we also grow in that area since 1990, we have been producing a small quantity of white wine that is a true gem and that is the biggest discovery for people who think Pauillac only makes reds. Our Blanc de Lynch-Bages is made of a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Muscadelle. try it you will try to find some more!

A little-known historical fact about Pauillac: in 1788, Marquis de Lafayette fled Bordeaux to the small Pauillac harbor on the Gironde river, 35 miles north of Bordeaux. There, he was to board the sailing ship “La Victoire” on its way to America. where he eventually joined George Washington’s efforts to free a new nation from the British rule.

Favorite bottle of wine?
This is a difficult question: there is a perfect wine for every occasion in life. I tend to like what I know best: old world wines. I also like to know the people behind the wines. It creates a connection to the experience of drinking the wine. I recently had a bottle of wine from Quinta do Crasto in Portugal. My heart belongs in part to this beautiful country (my mother is Portuguese). Quinta do Crasto produces wonderful wines and my favorite bottles come from a plot called “Vinha Maria Teresa” (my mother’s namesake!) near Pinhao in the spectacular Douro region. The “Vinha Maria Teresa” plot is made of vines that are over one hundred years old and regroup 49 identified grape varieties. They produce a rare and delicious wine that ages beautifully. And what a story! The Douro valley is in my opinion the most spectacular wine region in the world: one that is a must to visit!

Favorite food?
I love a good steak, or duck magret, cooked rare, grilled over “sarments de vigne” (vine cuttings) accompanied by some cèpes (wild mushrooms) and a good bottle of an old vintage Bordeaux wine.

Favorite vacation spot?
My absolute favorite spot for a perfect relaxing vacation is the Bassin d’Arcachon, a bit typical for Bordeaux people but once you have spent your childhood summers somewhere you heart is attached to that place forever!

Favorite part of the job?
What I love most about my job: I get to work with my siblings and my father, in the footsteps of our grandfather and great grandfather. They all worked hard to make Lynch-Bages what it is today. It is a privilege and a challenge at the same time.

Are you a golfer?
Not yet! But I haven’t said my last word on that!

Final thoughts:
We are so fortunate to work in an industry that evolves around pleasure, “art de vivre” and good times shared. Wine is always a vessel for an emotional experience. There is always a wine adapted to each life occasion, big or small.

I encourage everyone to visit the spectacular new winery at Lynch-Bages. It will open its doors this spring after a three-year complete renovation program. It is also important to meet the people who make the wine and share the culture. We enjoy hosting our visitors. Our open doors policy has allowed us to make a lot of friends in many parts of the world. They often become the best ambassadors of our wines. Wine is a link that allows for making new friends and connecting with old ones. Cheers to many good times, drinking wine and building great memories!