2006 Le Pin
By Chateau Le Pin
2006 Le Pin from Chateau Le Pin, Pomerol, Bordeaux
The 2006 vintage of the iconic Merlot-driven Le Pin from Chateau Le Pin is one to cherish for its singular expression of its illustrious terroir. This particular year in Pomerol did not herald the showstopping conditions of Bordeaux's most celebrated vintages, but it was a season that presented itself with its own quirks and quiddities, challenges that Le Pin navigated with grace.
Refinement Amidst Rigor: The 2006 Ensemble
The 2006 vintage started with an unusually warm March, followed by a variable climate that swung between extremes. However, what transpired was a profoundly refined wine embodying the robust nature of Pomerol with an almost startling freshness. The challenges of the year were surpassed by the meticulous vigneron's art at Chateau Le Pin. The result is a dignified Pomerol with a bouquet steeped in rich dark fruits, truffle and a hint of tobacco - a harmony of complexity indicative of skilled viniculture.
Investment Narrative: A Vintage Not to Overlook
Amidst fluctuating forecasts for summer climes and autumnal harvests, 2006 stands as a notable year for investors to consider. The 2006 Le Pin from Chateau Le Pin encapsulates an equilibrium rarely achieved in challenging vintages, harboring potential for maturation that could surprise even the veterans of fine wine appreciation.
The palate bears testimony to the disciplined approach of the winemaking team at Chateau Le Pin - structured, yet silky tannins envelop layers of complex flavours ranging from ripe plums to an enduring chocolaty finish. Its eloquence in the mouth is as much a triumph over the capricious weather patterns as it is an expression of winemaking acumen.
In summary, the 2006 offering from Chateau Le Pin provides wine connoisseurs and investors with a fascinating study in resilience and balance. Its admirably long finish is both resonant and compelling. For those attuned to the nuanced storytelling of vintage variations, this Pomerol delivers an engaging narrative through its cultivation amidst adversity—a narrative that reminds one just how exceptional Bordeaux can be when facing the caprices of nature.
Market price (GBP)
£23,390.00
12x75cl
Highest score
95
POP score
1559.33
Scores and tasting notes
Tasted blind at Southwold ’06 Bordeaux tasting. Since conception this has been a riveting Le Pin from Jacques Thienpont that vied with the ’05 for the upper hand. Here it has a bombastic, take no prisoners, almost exotic bouquet that is still showing a lot of puppy fat, though it calms down with aeration. Excellent delineation with aromas of macerated black cherries, fresh prune, fruitcake and cassis. The palate is rich and decadent, very supple tannins, well balanced, generous and voluptuous with a rounded silky texture towards the decadent, yet controlled finish. It is demonstrating less mineralite than previous bottles, but that will reappear once the sands of time have abraded this Le Pin down. Forget the price, just a gorgeous bottle of wine. Tasted January 2010.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jul 2010
Exotic, as it often can be, with super-ripe mulberry and black cherry fruit to the point of near-kirsch liqueur, with notes of licorice, truffle, and forest floor, this is a full-bodied, concentrated wine with a slight tannic bite to the finish. There is good freshness, depth, and power, and despite the flamboyant aromatics, this wine needs a good 3-5 years of cellaring and should keep for 15 or more years.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #181 Feb 2009
Tasted at Bordeaux Index's annual 10-Year On tasting in London. The 2006 Le Pin seems to have evolved quite far on the nose, though it remains very sensual with scents of kirsch, rose petals, liquorice and mint. There is a warmth to these aromatics that leave you feeling a bit giddy. The palate is medium-bodied with fleshy ripe red cherry and crushed strawberry fruit, underlying sage and cedar scents surfacing towards the finish. I am not totally convinced this is a long-term Le Pin, but it has wonderful precision and such charm that you almost don't care about the price tag. It's a lovely, almost sexy Pomerol, although I feel that it does not quite match the potential it demonstrated in barrel. Tasted January 2016.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 29 May 2016