1986 Le Pin
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
Tasted from a half-bottle with owner Jacques Thienpont and Fiona Morrison MW at the property, the 1986 Le Pin put in a quite dazzling display. Who says demi-bouteilles cannot age! Still youthful in color, I was smitten by the precocious and intoxicating bouquet armed with seductive blueberry, vanilla and violet scents. Interestingly, it reminded me of a fine Chambertin and that Burgundy theme continues onto the palate. Like the nose, the palate remains very exuberant and lively, belying its age and disproving the theory that Le Pin cannot mature as well as other Pomerols. This is underpinned by filigree, quite firm tannin that are counterpoised by a sensual Burgundy-like texture, the finish offering wonderful precision and intensity. There is just a sense of effortlessness here. Probably at 30 years, it is at its peak. The 1986 Le Pin is a sterling success. For those fortunate enough to have bottles, well, you are in for a real treat. Tasted June 2016.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
Mid-crimson with an initial hint of mossiness on the nose giving way to a rich sweetness so pronounced it's almost bloody, meaty. Big, thick, sweet, then chewy. Sweeter and gentler than Pétrus. (JR)
The 1986 Le Pin was tasted from another half-bottle with Fiona Morrison MW at the property. It confirms that this is a great wine considering the growing season that never favored Pomerol. Youthful in appearance, it offers a surprisingly precocious bouquet with blueberry and violet scents. Like before, it evokes a top-notch Chambertin. The palate is vigorous and disguises its age so well. It has a fine backbone that contrasts against its sensual texture, precise and nonchalant toward the finish. I feel that it is reaching the end of its drinking plateau, but what a fine Pomerol Jacques Thienpont crafted this year. Tasted at a private dinner in Pomerol.
About the producer
Owned by Jacques Thienpont, Le Pin is, without doubt, one of the most famous names in wine. One of the three great names of Pomerol, alongside Pétrus and Ch. Lafleur, it is one of the rarest, most expensive and finest wines in Bordeaux – if not the world.