Tasting Notes
Vinous 94
The 2008 Le Pin has a sumptuous bouquet with red cherries, crushed strawberry, truffle, orange rind and light floral scents. It comes across as being fully mature although the palate indicates that it will gift a long drinking window. It offers plenty of raspberry and blackberry fruit, the tannins perhaps a little edgier than other vintages, a touch of graininess towards the fresh, mineral-driven finish. It is not the most voluptuous Le Pin, more reflective of the growing season than the terroir. (Tasted at BI Wine & Spirit’s annual 10-Year On tasting.)
Anticipated maturity: 2018-2038
Robert Parker 96
Tasted ex-chateau and single blind in Southwold. This bottle of Le Pin is very reduced on the nose and there is an odd aromatic trait reminiscent of a Hornby train set! It begins to open with continued aeration offering some attractive floral aromas and that “Hornby†tincture disappears. The palate is very sweet and ripe on the entry with chewy red fruits, huge tannins and a dense, powerful finish without compromising precision. There is balance and great focus here, but it will need a long time to come round. Tasted January 2012.