
Le Pin, Pomerol, 2018
For those who have read our review of sister chateau, L'If, you will already know about the change of style at Jacques' properties. Gone are the hedonistic and opulent characters, and in their place there is something rather more serious and thought provoking. The wines of old were always a joy to taste, but the new era is perhaps a bit more cerebral and certainly looks better placed for aging. Jacques describes it at a wine that has the best qualities from 2015 and 2016. It is certainly a mightily impressive Le Pin with a deep concentrated core of velvety fruit. Wonderful aromas of sandalwood, griotte liqueur and dark mineral infused fruit. On the palate there are swathes of sweet cherry. Not kaleidoscopic like Le Pins of old, this is more refined and profound. Pure cashmere texture to the fruit, noble flavours of raspberry and crème de cassis coat the palate. This is muscular and chiselled yet sweet. A really ethereal yet serious Le Pin.
critic reviews
Le Pin 2018 has a deep garnet purple color. It opens with notions of cedar, blackcurrants, and plum preserves, giving way to sandalwood, anise, and dried roses, plus a hint of cinnamon stick. The medium to full-bodied palate is very perfumed and elegant, with layer upon layer of black fruits and exotic spices plus ultra-plush tannins and seamless acidity, finishing very long and fragrant. WOW.
Tasting the 2018 Le Pin from barrel, I was intrigued by its Left Bank–like personality on the nose. Now in bottle, though it is not as obvious as before, it still flirts with Médocian traits thanks to its very attractive, very subtle graphite and marine scents. It has wonderful delineation, pixelated and focused. The palate is medium-bodied and demonstrates a touch more tannic spine. Wonderfully focused and detailed, maybe a touch spicier than recent vintages, with disarming harmony and effortlessness. It is self-aware that it is a great Le Pin.
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