Chateau Le Pin

Nestled in the heart of Bordeaux's Pomerol appellation, Chateau Le Pin is a true gem among the world's top wine producers. Though it's a newer kid on the block, having poured its first wine in 1979, Le Pin swiftly made its mark and is now celebrated as one of the wine world's heavy hitters.

The story of Le Pin begins with Jacques Thienpont, who purchased the 1.6-hectare property for one million French Francs from the Loubie family in 1979. The dilapidated cellar and small house on the property required significant work, but Thienpont saw the potential in the land. The first investment made by Thienpont was the addition of a single, 50-hectoliter stainless steel vat, which allowed for the production of their inaugural vintage.

Le Pin's vineyard holdings have expanded over time through the acquisition of adjoining plots of land. The vineyard currently spans three hectares and is primarily planted with Merlot, with a small amount of Cabernet Franc. The terroir of Le Pin is characterized by clay, gravel, and sand, with deep gravel deposits in some areas. The vineyard enjoys an ideal elevation on the Pomerol plateau and benefits from its south-facing exposure.

The winemaking process at Le Pin is meticulous and focused on quality. The grapes are hand-harvested and fermented in stainless steel tanks. Le Pin was one of the first producers in the region to conduct malolactic fermentation in barrels, which was initially a result of limited tank capacity. The wine is aged in 100% new French oak barrels for 14 to 18 months before blending and bottling.

Le Pin produces an incredibly limited quantity of wine, typically ranging from 400 to 600 cases per year. The small production, combined with the exceptional quality and rarity of the wine, contributes to its astronomical prices. Le Pin wines are known for their concentration, opulence, and ripe fruit flavors, often exhibiting notes of kirsch, black cherry, plum, coconut, and citrus. The wines offer a decadent, glycerin-filled mouthfeel that is truly a treat to experience.

Jacques Thienpont's meticulous approach extends to the selection and release of the wines. Not all lots are deemed worthy of bearing the Le Pin label, and those that do not make the cut may be declassified or used to produce their Trilogie wine. Le Pin does not have a second wine, but Trilogie is a blend of declassified lots from various vintages.

In recent years, Le Pin underwent expansion and modernization with the construction of a new winery and chateau. The new facilities, designed by Belgian architects Robbrecht & Daem, provide a more suitable environment for winemaking and reflect the estate's stature.

Le Pin's rise to fame can be attributed in part to wine critic Robert Parker, whose praise for the 1982 vintage propelled the estate to international recognition. Since then, Le Pin has become synonymous with luxury and is often priced at levels comparable to or exceeding First Growth Bordeaux wines.

A visit to Le Pin is a rare and highly coveted experience. Visitors are advised to savor every drop of the wine during a tasting, as rumor has it that those who spit are never invited back. Le Pin embodies the epitome of excellence in winemaking and remains a true gem in the world of Bordeaux wines.