Le Pin 1995

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.

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.