Chateau Le Pin   Le Pin

1995 Le Pin

By Chateau Le Pin

The 1995 Le Pin from Chateau Le Pin, Pomerol, Bordeaux

Amidst the pantheon of fine wines, the 1995 Le Pin from Chateau Le Pin stands as a beacon of Pomerol's exceptional offerings, serving as an illustrious benchmark for collectors and investors alike. As I reflect upon this wine, I am reminded that only the palates fortunate enough to savour such vinous artistry can truly appreciate the confluence of factors that played a role in crafting its unique character.

 

A Spectacle of 1995: A Vintage Defined by Precision and Panache

The 1995 vintage was one met with auspicious beginnings. A mild winter gave way to a cool spring followed by a warm summer, albeit not overly torrid. This climactic balance resulted in a measured ripening period; meticulous cultivation practices were matched by nature's benevolence to create grapes of concentrated flavour and formidable structure.

On the palate, the 1995 Le Pin articulates the epitome of Pomerol finesse—merlot’s plushness is intelligently framed by cabernet franc's verve. One notes the sophisticated tapestry of blackcurrant, truffle and violets complemented by a subtlety of smoky oak—the result of judicious ageing in barriques. What strikes most is the wine's admirable symmetry, an undeviating line from entry to echoing finish—a hallmark of the 1995 Pomerol vintages but particularly salient in this impeccable iteration.

 

Investment-Worthy Elegance: The Quintessence of Pomerol's Essence

As time weaves its narrative through each bottle, the 1995 Le Pin reveals an impressive capacity for evolution in bottle—an attribute highly regarded by sagacious investors. The complexity deepens, tannins mellow and its bouquet unfurls new aromatic layers year upon year. Such endurance and grace position this vintage as a revered asset within any well-curated portfolio.

 

Concluding Thoughts on a Vinous Marvel

The sublime balance between power and elegance sees the 1995 Le Pin offering both immediate gratification and longevity—a duality as rare as it is sought-after. Its alchemy is bound within each glass poured, providing a story not just of a vintage, but of an estate that has surpassed even its storied pedigree with this creation. In considering both pleasure and profit, investing in the 1995 Le Pin is to participate in a legacy that will continue to enchant and reward for years to come.

Market price (CAD)

$42,410.00

12x75cl

Highest score

94

POP score

1820

Scores and tasting notes

94

Some of the hard tannins this wine possessed early in life have sloughed off to reveal a wine that has a stunning nose of roasted herbs, caramel, smoke, barbecue notes along with fruitcake, blackberry, and black cherry jam, and a bit of white chocolate also entering the smorgasbord of scents. Full-bodied, with low acidity but still moderately high tannin, still a tightly knit, very concentrated wine that is surprisingly structured and backward for Le Pin. It is also a bit more massive than most vintages. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2025. Last tasted, 5/02.

Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 31 December 2002

90

Tasted at Bipin Desai's Le Pin vertical in Los Angeles. The Le Pin '95 has never really convinced me of its quality. There is a slight taint on the bottle but I can see through that and sense the simple red-berried strawberry and raspberry nose that lacks some complexity. The palate is untainted with ripe redcurrant, wild strawberry and a touch of vanilla pod, with a touch of tobacco. It has a soft texture, but to the extent that I feel this wine lacks the backbone that other Right Bank 95 have. Just a little clipped on the finish as if it is a little ashamed by its performance. 750 cases produced. Drink now-2015. Tasted November 2008.

Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2009

Vintage performance