Le Pin 2008

Tasted ex-chateau and single blind in Southwold. This bottle of Le Pin is very reduced on the nose and there is an odd aromatic trait reminiscent of a Hornby train set! It begins to open with continued aeration offering some attractive floral aromas and that 'Hornby' tincture disappears. The palate is very sweet and ripe on the entry with chewy red fruits, huge tannins and a dense, powerful finish without compromising precision. There is balance and great focus here, but it will need a long time to come round. Tasted January 2012.

It seems almost Burgundian in style with delicate and fresh aromas of dried berries such as strawberries and raspberries. Full to medium-body, it shows super fine tannins and a fresh and clean finish. Complex yet very delicate. Better after 2013.

This is an elegant, sexy, aromatic style of Le Pin, with a dark plum/purple-tinged color and a seductive nose of caramel, mocha, jammy black cherries and currants, as well as hints of wood and earth. Medium to full-bodied and round, with no hard edges, this lush style of wine should drink nicely for another 15 or more years.