Le Pin

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. The Le Pin vineyard is south-facing and sits on well-drained gravel and sand soils which give extremely low yields. Le Pin took its name from the lone pine tree situated near the winery. Le Pin produces between 400 and 600 cases per year. The wine is vinified in 7 small, stainless steel tanks that range in size from 15 hectoliters up to 42 hectoliters. In the cellar, all wine is moved by gravity. Malolactic fermentation takes place in new oak.


Deep purple-black in color, it is a little reserved to begin, offering glimpses of tar, fertile loam and truffles with slowly emerging notes of baked black cherries. Stewed plums, mulberries and underbrush plus hints of black pepper, hoisin and chargrill with a waft of garrigue. Full bodied, the palate is loaded with taut, muscular fruit and heaps of earthy accents, with a firm frame of ripe, rounded tannins and just enough seamless freshness. Finishing very long and wonderfully savory.