Château Le Pin

History of Château Le Pin

Château Le Pin came into being in 1979, through a bold acquisition by Jacques Thienpont. This member of the great Belgian Thienpont family, already owner of Vieux Château Certan in Pomerol, seized the opportunity to purchase a 1-hectare vineyard plot from the Loubie family for one million new francs. Although the sum seemed high at the time, this acquisition proved to be visionary.

The first vintages were produced under modest conditions, with second-hand barrels sourced from Vieux Château Certan and a single stainless steel vat. Yet, from the 1982 vintage onwards, Château Le Pin attracted the attention of the renowned critic Robert Parker, who praised its exotic and concentrated style. Within a few years, Le Pin became an unmissable reference, revolutionising the market for Bordeaux grand crus.

Through successive acquisitions, Jacques Thienpont expanded the estate, which today reaches 2.7 hectares. The renovations made to the cellar, notably the construction of an ultra-modern winery in 2012, further enhance the excellence of the winemaking.

Several vintages of Château Le Pin have been acclaimed by the renowned critic Robert Parker, receiving exceptional scores. The years 2009, 1982 and 2010 achieved perfection with 100/100, while the 2015 vintage was awarded an impressive 99/100. The 2016, 2001 and 1990 vintages follow closely with a remarkable score of 98/100, attesting to a consistently outstanding quality.

Terroirs and Vines of Château Le Pin

The vineyard of Château Le Pin is located at the top of the Pomerol plateau, close to prestigious estates such as Petrus and Château Trotanoy. This exceptional terroir rests on clay-gravel and sandy-gravel soils, enriched with ferric deposits. These elements lend the wines a unique complexity and minerality, while bringing out the best in Merlot, the emblematic grape variety of the appellation.

The vineyard is planted at a density of 6,000 vines per hectare, with an average vine age of around 35 years, some dating back to the 1950s. Merlot accounts for nearly 98% of the plantings, complemented by a tiny proportion of Cabernet Franc. Vine pruning is severe, and cultivation follows eco-responsible practices with a minimum of chemical treatments. The selection of grapes is equally rigorous, ensuring irreproachable quality of the bunches.

Vinifications of Château Le Pin

The winemaking process at Château Le Pin reflects extreme ambition and attention to detail. The grapes are harvested by hand before being sorted with meticulous precision. Alcoholic fermentation takes place in seven small stainless steel vats, with capacities ranging from 15 to 42 hectolitres. This format allows for optimal micro-vinification, tailored to the different plots of the vineyard.

Château Le Pin is one of the first Bordeaux estates to have adopted malolactic fermentation in new barrels, a technique that brings roundness and complexity to the wine. The ageing continues for 18 to 24 months in 100% new French oak barrels, entirely renewed each year. This method lends the wines a refined structure and exceptional ageing potential. Vintages deemed insufficient, such as in 2003 and 2013, are not released, reflecting the estate's uncompromising standards.

The Cuvées of Château Le Pin

Château Le Pin produces exclusively a single cuvée, the result of a blend predominantly composed of Merlot (98%) with a touch of Cabernet Franc (2%). This exceptional wine stands out for its aromatic intensity and silky texture.

The characteristics of Le Pin's wines are unique: exotic and concentrated aromas of black fruits (blackcurrant, plum), notes of mocha, toasted bread and spices, all enveloped in a rich and velvety palate. These wines are crafted to be enjoyed young but also possess a remarkable ageing potential, extending over several decades.

Le Pin also offers a small production called "Trilogie", a multi-vintage blend sourced from batches not selected for the main cuvée. This exclusive series, although more accessible, retains the characteristic elegance of the estate.

Pomerol, one of the most prestigious appellations of Bordeaux, has produced some of the finest wines over the decades. The most remarkable vintages include 1970, 1975, 1982, 1983, 1989, and 1990, recognised for their complexity and longevity. Other exceptional years such as 1995, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2010 continue to enchant lovers of great wines. More recently, the vintages 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 have confirmed Pomerol's ability to produce wines of exceptional quality, further consolidating the reputation of this appellation among the greatest of Bordeaux.

Discover the other great châteaux of Pomerol, true treasures of the Right Bank, where every estate competes for excellence. Beyond the mythical Pétrus, explore prestigious names such as Beauregard, Bon Pasteur, Clinet, Gazin, Haut Trochaud, L'Eglise Clinet, La Conseillante, La Fleur Pétrus, Lafleur, Le Pin, Latour à Pomerol, Nénin, Trotanoy, and Vieux Château Certan. These estates, often compared to the grands crus classés of Saint-Émilion, offer a unique experience, rich in finesse and character, sure to delight lovers of great wines.

Château Le Pin, a symbol of rarity and excellence, has established itself as one of the most iconic wines of Bordeaux. Thanks to the visionary commitment of Jacques Thienpont and a constant attention to detail, every bottle of Le Pin is a work of art. This estate embodies the perfect balance between innovation and respect for tradition, offering wine lovers an incomparable tasting experience.