Le Pin 2021

Le Pin is proof that sometimes the most unassuming properties have an unbelievable amount of untapped potential.  

Who could have possibly imagined that an unclassified Pomerol estate with a dilapidated farmhouse, one hectare of vines and a single pine tree would become one of the most expensive producers not just in Bordeaux, but in the entire world?  For most estates to achieve that level of greatness it takes centuries, yet Jacques Thienpont managed to elevate Le Pin’s status in just 30 years.  Anybody who is familiar with this producer understands that Le Pin is a cult wine with a microscopic case production and to experience it is a once in a lifetime opportunity.  Yet with all the praise aside – the glowing reviews from Robert Parker, the fanfare, and the accolades the core values of this estate are simply about making great wine.  

The history of the Le Pin really dates back to 1924, where it was used for grape growing.  It was in 1979 when things changed and Jacques Thienpont purchased it for one million francs.  The cellars were in horrible states of disarray and the farmhouse was dilapidated.  Jacques Thienpont didn’t have a terrible amount of money to invest in Le Pin.  He purchased one stainless steel tank and really focused on cultivating the perfect grapes and using minimal intervention in the viticultural process.  The 1 hectare vineyard is planted with almost 100 percent Merlot, though there are a few scattered Cabernet Franc vines that are co-planted among the vines.  These Cabernet Franc vines never make it into the grand vin at Le Pin, they are sold off to other producers.  Essentially, Le Pin can be described as 100% Merlot, just like Château Petrus.  

The 1982 vintage was a gamechanger for the estate.  Robert Parker tasted this wine and found it completely remarkable.  He wrote a descriptive, detailed and glowing review about this Cinderella of a property and the estate’s fortunes transformed overnight.  A wine that was once priced at 100 Euros would later fetch the unparalleled price point of several thousands.  The reason for its dramatic price appreciation? Production is small – only about 1,500 bottles per year.  Demand, on the other hand, is ever increasing following the last three decades of rapid creation of paper wealth.  One would be lucky to find a bottle with impeccable provenance on the market today.

Most casual Bordeaux drinkers will not be able to taste Le Pin.  So that begs the burning question… What does it taste like?  Allow us to paint a picture for you.  The wine is made of Merlot and has a lightness that is almost like a Pinot Noir, with a suppleness that embarces the palate, medium to full body, rich, fat and meaty.  The nose has a very intense floral quality that rages about in the glass.  Though the wine is powerful, it is ethereal and light with a very long finish.  Many who have tasted Le Pin compare the wine to something they would find in Burgundy.  Perhaps this is why Le Pin is called the Romanée-Conti of Bordeaux.

"The 2021 Le Pin has turned out beautifully. Élevage 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." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous, (02/28/2024), Ratings: 96

"The 2021 Le Pin has turned out beautifully in bottle, bursting with aromas of raspberries and blackberries mingled with notions of pencil shavings, spices, black truffle and licorice, framed by a discreet touch of new oak (only 55% new this year). Medium to full-bodied, ample and enveloping, it's suave and sensual, with a fleshy core of fruit and beautifully refined tannins and concludes with a long, rose-inflected finish. Le Pin, after all, is an early-ripening, well-drained terroir, so it's hardly surprising that it should perform especially well in a vintage like 2021." - William Kelley, The Wine Advocate, (02/22/2024), Ratings: 95

"Jewel-ruby colour, this has layers of nuanced black fruits and campfire smoke on the nose. One of the more delicate renditions of Le Pin after a number of years of powerful seduction, this is vivid and juicy, heading towards brambled raspberry fruits, with finely-spun tannins and a twist of liquorice bud and grilled earth. The deep gravels of Le Pin (among the deepest of Pomerol, up to 6m) were able to ripen earlier than most areas, and this still delivers an arresting wine, with nuance, hidden power, and beauty. But it may not still the conversation in a room the way that the best vintages of this remarkable wine can do. 75% new oak. Diana Berrouet arrived in January 2022 (from Ch Petit Village) to Le Pin for the blending of this vintage, working with viticulturalist and consulting winemaker Guillaume Thienpont. 35hl/h yield, harvest November 25 to October 4. No frost impact, no mildew either. They made no 2013 and no 2003 here, so if they are making it, it's a good sign that they are happy with it." - Jane Anson, (04/07/2022), Ratings: 94, Drink: 2026-2042

"The 2021 Château Le Pin is the same 100% Merlot, and it was raised in slightly less new oak, spending 18 months in 65% new oak (Seguin Moreaux and Taransaud). It has a deep ruby hue as well and brilliant notes of ripe black cherries, blackberries, candied violets, spice, and kirsch. It's textured, medium to full-bodied, has fine tannins, and a lively spine of acidity and salinity on the finish. It's a gorgeous 2021 to enjoy over the coming two decades." - Jeb Dunnuck (04/03/2024), Ratings: 94, Drink: 2024-2044

"Red cherries and strawberries alongside roses, peonies and smoked earth on the nose. Immediately so smooth, silky in the mouth with bright and searing strawberry and red cherry flavours. A delicate style on show, less plush and plump, more finessed and defined. Minerality shows through clearly with the high-toned fruit framed by just-robust tannins at this point giving a firmness to the overall structure. It has freshness and a sense of underlying power with a menthol backbone and touches of liquorice and black pepper. Long flavour and an appealing chalky finish." - Georgina Hindle, Decanter, (04/01/2022), Ratings: 94