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2016 Le Pin, Pomerol, Bordeaux

  • Red
  • Dry
  • Full Bodied
  • Merlot
Not ready
Neal Martin MW
96-98/100
Jancis Robinson MW
19/20
James Suckling
99-100/100
Product: 20161014192
2016 Le Pin, Pomerol, Bordeaux

Description

The 2016 vintage is the first time in Le Pin’s history that the harvest didn’t begin until October and it is one of the most concentrated wines we tasted. It has an attractive nose of spices and dark fruit. It’s hugely concentrated on the palate, but this is reined in by a pleasing freshness and a saline note. It finishes with an ethereal ribbon of silky tannins.

Blend: Merlot 100%
Colour Red
Sweetness Dry
Vintage 2016
Maturity Not ready
Grape List Merlot
Body Full Bodied
Producer Le Pin

Critics reviews

Neal Martin MW 96-98/100
The 2016 Le Pin was made from ten different lots from the usual six, because the drought affected the different parcels and vines needed separating (indicated by paint mark on the pole). It was cropped from 4 October, the first time that picking has begun that month, at 28-30 hectoliters per hectare and there is 14.5% alcohol. It has a fresh and generous bouquet with red cherries, cranberry and pomegranate scents, the oak beautifully integrated, touches of black truffle and even a hint of smoke tucked in just underneath. The palate is medium-bodied with filigree tannin, tightly wound and taut, with a stunning sense of focus. I cannot remember a Le Pin with such tension and detail at this early juncture, perhaps even quite understated towards the saline finish, but very very precise. This is a sophisticated Le Pin from Jacques Thienpont, one that I am certain will age with style. Tasted twice with consistent notes. Neil Martin - Wine Advocate #230, 28th April 2017
Neal Martin MW, (Apr 2017)
Jancis Robinson MW 19/20
Glowing crimson. Smudgy sweet ink on the nose. Very pure nose. Lifted and lively and real energy. Round and quite delicate and burgundian. Real drive and elegance and polish. This is a real winner! Drink 2025-2043. jancis_robinson_mw - 13th April 2017
Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com (Apr 2017)
James Suckling 99-100/100
There is something decadent and wild about this Le Pin. Medium to full body, yet somehow wild and crazy— exotic. What a finish! This is real Le Pin. The dry weather reduced the production. 18 hectoliters. Reminds me of the unique 1986. Yeah...! james_suckling - April 2017
James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com (Apr 2017)

About this wine

Merlot

The most widely planted grape in Bordeaux and a grape that has been on a relentless expansion drive throughout the world in the last decade. Merlot is adaptable to most soils and is relatively simple to cultivate. It is a vigorous naturally high yielding grape that requires savage pruning - over-cropped Merlot-based wines are dilute and bland. It is also vital to pick at optimum ripeness as Merlot can quickly lose its varietal characteristics if harvested overripe.
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Le Pin

Le Pin is the most expensive wine in the world. Jacques Thienpont purchased the meagre 1.6 hectares of land for one million francs in 1979. The Thienpoints named their wine Le Pin after a solitary pine tree that shaded the property. By acquiring tiny adjoining plots of land, Jacques has doubled the size of Le Pin to five acres. The south-facing vineyard on a well-drained slope of gravel and sand is planted with Merlot (about 92%), and a small amount of Cabernet Franc.
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