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
Bordeaux Book, 4th Edition Jan 2003
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.