Château Le Pin 2018

Le Pin

Le Pin, a remarkable estate with a fascinating history, was founded in 1924, although its first vintage was 1979. In that year, the Thienpont family acquired the tiny 2.3-hectare property with the ambitious vision of producing wines of a quality comparable to the famous wines of Pétrus.

This ambitious plan proved successful: the 1982 vintage received the top rating of 100 Parker points, drawing the attention of discerning wine collectors to Le Pin.

Le Pin is often compared with Pétrus, as both come from the same region and are known for their excellent quality and high prices. Despite these similarities, however, the wines differ greatly. Le Pin is characterised by openness, generosity and fruity aromas, while Pétrus is known for its more masculine, structured character.

Another distinguishing feature is the rarity of Le Pin. Production is so small that in an average year only one-sixth of the quantity of Pétrus is produced. This makes Le Pin one of the rarest and most sought-after wines in the world.

Interestingly, like Pétrus, Le Pin does not carry ‘Château’ in its name. This is because there is no classic château behind it. The name Le Pin derives from a distinctive pine tree on the property, which gave the estate its unique name.

Bordeaux is one of the world’s most renowned wine regions – a name that has stood for elegance, diversity and ageing potential for centuries. Gravel, clay and limestone soils alternate, allowing fine nuances in the wines that reflect both terroir and craftsmanship.

Bordeaux is typically known for blends in which grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc work together harmoniously.

Stylistically, red Bordeaux wines are defined by a balance of fruit, structure and freshness. The white wines – usually made from Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon and sometimes Muscadelle – range from crisp and citrus-driven to creamy and complex.