A river of ganache-coated raspberry pate de fruit flavors courses through this version, flecked liberally with anise notes and underscored by warm earth accents. Shows terrific concentration for the vintage, brimming with energy as the fruit cascades through a sweet, tobacco-accented finish that is ridiculously long. This transcends the general vintage profile, delivering extra depth and drive to the fruit. A tannic spine matches the fresh acidity. Best from 2022 through 2040.
Made from 100% Merlot, the deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Le Pin opens a little closed and broody, slowly unfurling to offer notes of baked plums, Black Forest cake and raspberry pie with touches of iron ore, crushed rocks, roses and star anise plus a waft of cardamom. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers the most jaw-dropping, exquisitely ripe tannins with amazingly seamless freshness and layer upon layer of red and black fruits, finishing with incredible energy and depth. WOW! 97+
This Le Pin is extremely linear and compact with tight, polished tannins that flow down the center of the palate. Full-to medium-bodied, succulent and tangy with orange-peel and hazelnut undertones. Dusty and polished at the same time. Superb length. Drink after 2022.
The usual 100% Merlot from this tiny vineyard that borders Vieux Chateau Certain, brought up all in new oak, the deep purple-hued 2017 Chateau Le Pin offers a sexy, full-bodied, exuberant style that's loaded with personality and is unquestionably up with the top handful of wines in the vintage. A massive nose of creme de cassis, toasted spice, caramel, graphite, and white chocolate emerges from the glass and, as always, this cuvee is extroverted and exotic, with tons of personality. This sexy, exotic Pomerol has beautiful depth of fruit, no hard edges, and a rocking finish. You'd be excused for drinking bottles today, it's that good, yet it will be even better with 7-8 years of bottle age and should cruise for 20-25 years in cool cellars.
TWI
97pts
The Wine Independent
The 2017 Le Pin is medium to deep garnet-purple in color. It opens up into an evocative aria of Morello cherries, black raspberries, juicy blackberries, and lilacs, with touches of star anise, lavender, cast iron pan, and peat moss, plus a hint of dried roses. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is beautifully poised with satiny tannins and a lively line lifting the intense, perfumed black and red fruits, finishing long and fragrant. Although it would be a shame to drink it now, it is so very tempting. If you do so, Jacques Thienpont (the owner) recommends at least a 3 hour decant.
The 2017 Le Pin gained tremendously in elevage. Ripe, racy sumptuous to its core, Le Pin is super expressive today. Sweet floral notes and a kiss of French oak perk up the dark red cherry fruit in a Pomerol endowed with notable textural resonance. As always, Le Pin is a wine of real personality and character. The 2017 spent 18 months in French oak, 50% new.