Château LE PIN
Red
- 2021
- Pomerol
Like Pétrus, Le Pin is 100% Merlot. But if Pétrus has adopted a more classic style in recent years, Le Pin remains a hedonistic wine, often exuberant, sometimes even exotic. And unlike Pétrus, Le Pin is much rarer (500 cases per year).
The 2021 vintage in the press:
La Revue du Vin de France (September 2024): 97/100 “After a series of powerful vintages, 2021 returns to a dashing style, where accessibility and delicacy are the key words, recalling the balance of the Bordeaux of thirty years ago, with today's technical precision. Proprietor Jacques Thienpont points out that his 2021 reminds him of the great success of his 1994, considered to be the best of the vintage. You can't help but fall under its spell, with a kind of immediacy, combining small black berries, potpourri and zan. The touch is remarkable, with taffeta-like tannins and a quasi-Ligerian balance”.
Vinous (A. Galloni - December 2023): 91/100 “The 2021 Le Pin has turned out beautifully. Elevage has done wonders in building texture. Dark, pliant and super-expressive, the 2021 is fabulous right out of the gate. Bright acids resonate on the striking finish. Black cherry, plum, leather, spice, graphite and jasmine lend an exotic flair. Time in the glass releases the aromatics. The 2021 is a gorgeous wine.”
- To keep or to drink :
- Wait 3 to 5 years
- Apogée :
- 2030-2045
From the same producer
-
A small estate located near Troplong-Mondot and Valandraud, acquired in 2009 by Jacques Thienpont (already owner of Ch. Le Pin). A wine that is as exceptional as it is confidential (6 hectares)!
The 2022 vintage in the press:
Vinous (A. Galloni - January 2025): 96/100 "The 2022 L'If is seriously beautiful. Dark, racy and layered, the 2022 captures all the natural intensity of the year and yet remains so polished. L'If is 80% Merlot (from four parcels) and 20% Cabernet Franc (from two parcels), spread across Saint-Émilion. The 2022 spent 14 months in French oak, 50% new. A touch more Cabernet Franc than in the early days and parcel on the St. Etienne de Lisse plateau (from 2020 on) have added more aromatic freshness and vivacity here, which is especially beneficial in torrid vintages. As good as the 2022 is today, I get the impression there is a lot in reserve."
J-M Quarin (February 2025): 96/100 "Intense purple colour. Very aromatic nose, fine, fruity and subtle. Fat on the palate, fat in the middle, with a classy feel and lots of flavour, the wine caresses the palate. The finish is juicy, deep and noble, with a fine grain. Delicious and very long."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 1 to 2 years
- Apogée:
- 2026-2038
-
A small estate located near Troplong-Mondot and Valandraud, acquired in 2009 by Jacques Thienpont (already owner of Ch. Le Pin). A wine that is as exceptional as it is confidential (6 hectares)!
The 2021 vintage in the press:
Vinous (A. Galloni - December 2023): 96/100 “The 2021 L'If is a wine of power and reserve. It exudes notable density and richness, but in the more restrained style of the year. Black cherry, graphite, spice, leather, tobacco and chocolate fill out the layers effortlessly. The 2021 is a gorgeous wine, but it won't be ready to appreciate fully for a mumber of years. Even so, it was exquisite in two separate tastings.”
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 1 to 2 years
- Apogée:
- 2026-2038