| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Right Bank > Pomerol |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
One of the most famous and hard-to-find wines of Bordeaux thanks to the tiny production (of 100% Merlot from 2.5 hectares of vines) and consistently fabulous quality. Jacques Thienpont established Le Pin in 1979 and his sumptuous, silky Pomerol is always intense yet un-forced, smooth and fine.
An explosion of fruit and exotic spice, as is so often the case with this wine. I am tasting this at a relatively cold temperature and yet still the tannins are silky, creamy and supple, extremely impressive. As it opens, campfire smoke, hints of petrol and passion fruit, nuanced black truffle, rosemary, blueberry and black cherry fruits. This is perfumed and envelops the palate, coming in waves, just a brilliant Le Pin. 100% new oak.
The deep purple-black colored 2019 Le Pin sweeps effortlessly out of the glass with fragrant scents of black cherries, licorice, and plum preserves, giving way to fragrant notes of violets, licorice, dark chocolate, and cardamom with a touch of Sichuan pepper. Full-bodied, rich, and seductive, the palate delivers a seamless foundation of exquisitely fine-grained tannins and just enough freshness, finishing very long and with a whole fireworks display of minerals and flowers - so much energy!
The 2019 Le Pin is a rich, expansive wine that soars from the glass with aromas of raspberry preserve, plums, wild berries, rose petals and licorice, framed by a deftly judged patina of creamy new oak. Full-bodied, supple and velvety, it's broad and enveloping, with a fleshy core of fruit that's framed by lively acids and powdery tannins, concluding with a long, aromatic finish. Rich in gravel on the surface, Le Pin's vines are rooted in clay, which no doubt helps to explain how this wine can perform so well in warm, dry vintages. As is the norm these days, the 2019 was matured in 70% new oak. Drink Date 2025 - 2055
Tasted blind. Cool and fresh and savoury with a certain treacly intensity. Slightly sandy, drying tannins on the end. In a minor key compared with some of the greats. But quite subtle and satisfying. 14.5%
Drink 2027– 2043
Deep ruby in colour with a wonderful perfume to the nose - full of flowers and summer pudding. The toast is subtly sweet, adding to the succulent and enticing fragrance of the wine. The palate is creamy, plump and round, with seamless, silky tannins gently framing a plush core of ripe red fruits. Despite the kirsch and sweet red plums at the core there is freshness from bright acidity and subtle cigar smokiness. The finish is long and expansive. Impressive. Tasted in Bordeaux.
A classic Le Pin in its exuberant, kinky, sexy, almost over-ripe style, the 2019 Château Le Pin offers a monster nose of black cherry liqueur, red plums, tobacco leaf, mocha, orange peel, and violets. Truly exotic and one of a kind, it hits the palate with a powerful, full-bodied, opulent yet seamless mouthfeel that carries ample tannic grip, a deep, layered mid-palate, and a great finish. It has some elevated volatile acidity and won't be for everyone, but this exotic, dry port-like Merlot needs a good 5-7 years of bottle age and will drink well for 20-25 years.
