1996 Le Pin
By Chateau Le Pin
1996 Le Pin from Chateau Le Pin, Pomerol, Bordeaux
Perched in the astonishingly fertile landscape of Pomerol, Bordeaux, Chateau Le Pin has consistently championed a reputation for producing exquisitely crafted wines. Their 1996 Le Pin embodies an era where meticulous vineyard management and an advantageous season coalesced, resulting in a vintage that savvily speaks to both the connoisseur and the serious investor.
An Exceptional Expression from a Distinctive Vintage
The 1996 vintage from Chateau Le Pin emerged from a season marked by climatic generosity; a poised spring followed by a summer where warmth and sunlight were abundant yet not excessive. The result was fruit with optimal maturity, offering a spectrum of complex flavours without compromising the structure. In the glass, this prowess translates to an elegant harmony of ripe fruits with an underpinning of truffle and earthy notes—a hallmark of the Pomerol terroir's magical soil composition.
The Epochal Balance of Youthful Vigour and Seasoned Wisdom
Initially met with an enthusiastic reception on release, subsequent years have witnessed the 1996 Le Pin ascending steadily in both acclaim and value. Investors are rightly captivated by its sophistry—the wine possesses a paradoxical youthful vigour held in concert with encroaching touches of seasoned poise. This delightful tension suggests not just immediate enjoyment but also remarkable potential for the cellars of those willing to court patience.
The Investment Perspective: A Worthy Addition to Any Portfolio
Pomerol enthusiasts recognise 1996 as one of the standout vintages revealing true varietal character. As such, the 1996 Le Pin from Chateau Le Pin emerges as an essential piece for collections targeting wines with proven longevity and appreciation prospects. Its complexity, combined with undoubted regional pedigree, reaffirms why this wine remains a distinguished favourite among investors seeking to diversify their holdings with blue-chip labels.
In summary, the 1996 Le Pin from Chateau Le Pin is not merely a reflection of a singularly good year in Bordeaux; it serves as an illustration of impeccable craftsmanship converging with fortuitous weather patterns—a bottle sure to enhance any collection, be it housed in a connoisseur's display or treasured in an investor's vault.
Market price (GBP)
£20,640.00
12x75cl
Highest score
92
POP score
1720
Scores and tasting notes
Like many 1996 Pomerols, there is a certain austerity to the tannins, and the wines are not as generous and voluminous as they would be from a great right bank vintage like 1998 or 2000. Nevertheless, this is a top-notch example, more structured than usual, but still has the exotic notes of melted chocolate, roasted espresso, a hint of coconut, and a plethora of jammy black fruits. Relatively supple, even for the vintage, this flamboyant, medium-bodied wine shows superb ripeness, purity, and overall balance with a bit of dry tannin in the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2020. Last tasted, 5/02.
Robert Parker Jr - Bordeaux Book, 4th Edition Jan 2003
Tasted at Bipin Desai’s Le Pin vertical in Los Angeles. A smaller crop: a paltry 360 cases to grace the world. It has a deep garnet core with a tawny/deep brick rim. The nose has a softness to it, some sous-bois aromas coming through and with gentle swirling touches of mint and then with extended aeration, some dried coconut. The palate is medium-bodied, well defined with fine tannins, just a little greenness in the middle, notes of black cherries and a little Doris plum. Quite foursquare towards the finish with some leafy, tobacco notes right on the finish. Not a top-tier Le Pin, but my style of “classic” Pomerol that would partner cuisine with aplomb. Drink now-2016. Tasted November 2008.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2009
Tasted from a half-bottle with Jacqcues Thienpont, the 1996 Le Pin was served against the 1986 and, to be honest, this particular example was put in the shade by the older wine. Visibly more mature on the rim, the nose is not quite as cohesive as the 1986 with mulberry, leather, fig and tertiary aromas. The palate has good weight, which is commendable given that this was not a Right Bank vintage, but the tannins feel just a little coarse and it certainly did not offer the same degree of precision as the 1986 Le Pin. Maybe there are better bottles out there, but I would be inclined to drink mine (if I had any) over the next 5-10 years. Tasted June 2016.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 28 October 2016