2007 Le Pin, Pomerol

Charismatic owner Jacques Thienpont has produced a wine reminiscent of top Grand Cru Red Burgundy from this tiny 1.6ha estate in 2007. The nose is as exotic and fragrant as ever, bursting with rich plums, raspberries, herbs and cherry blossom, while incredibly fine tannins permeate the intense creamy palate supported by notes of chocolate, tobacco and flowers. If you are looking for value for money in 2007, then Le Pin is probably not for you, but there is no question that this heavenly and phenomenally rare Pomerol remains one of the wine wonders of the world.

"Dark crimson with a pale rim. Rich and even a little bit of leather and liquorice. Very different from most years! More obvious richness than the Moueix wines just tasted but much lighter and leaner than most years. Sweet start, a hint of bloodiness, quite fresh but even Le Pin has a dry, rather sudden finish in 2007. The leanest Le Pin I have ever tasted. The Thienponts thought it wasn't tasting as well as it had done the day before. Alain Vauthier showed another sample of it at Ch Ausone a couple of days later that looked much more powerful, velvety and rich." (Jancis Robinson – www.jancisrobinson.com – Apr 08)
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Deep colour and abundant fruit, the palate rich, suave and full. Misses an extra dimension, though, and that trademark floral, Burgundian stamp. Could well improve with élevage.
James Lawther MW