1994 Le Pin
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Tasting notes
Tasted blind as a vintage comparison at the Valandraud vertical, the 1994 Le Pin has always been one of Jacques Thienpont's great successes. It has a broody nose of mulberry, cola, tobacco, mint and undergrowth that feels just a little static at first, but begins to loosen up in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, crisp and focused, fully mature but with more than enough freshness, segueing into a structured and lightly spiced finish with dry tobacco lingering on the aftertaste. There is weight and intention here, a Pomerol undiminished by time and a quite brilliant wine in the context of the vintage. The 1994 is the "insiders' choice." Tasted December 2016.
Critic scores
Average Score
Wine Spectator
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
Magnum. Le Pin was another of Roy and Mark's finds (see All about Roy ). The youth and deep crimson of this wine (magnums selling for a mere £3,000) came as a bit of a jolt. Owner Jacques Thienpont had come over from Belgium specially, and made a pretty speech at the end in praise of Roy. Strong balsam nose, then high-toned spiciness and a bit of sweetness – though overall this vintage is firmer and drier than many. (JR)
A beautiful 1994, and certainly one of the best wines of the vintage, this medium-bodied Le Pin shows notes of sweet oak intermixed with espresso bean, vanilla, black cherry, licorice, and white chocolate. The wine is medium-bodied, has moderately high tannin, but a luscious, sweet, succulent attack before the tannins begin to kick in. It is hard to peg the actual plateau of maturity of this wine, which seems evolved and complex aromatically but then has still plenty of tannin to shed. (RP)
I loved this wine from the moment I tasted it from barrel in 1995. This is showing beautifully. Balanced and refined, with silky tannins and a long, long finish. Medium-bodied, with chocolate, berry and mineral flavors. Wonderful and subtle. Will improve with age too.--Le Pin non-blind vertical. Drink now. 500 cases made. James Suckling,Wine Spectator2008
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.