Chateau Le Pin   Le Pin

1999 Le Pin

By Chateau Le Pin

1999 Le Pin from Chateau Le Pin, Pomerol, Bordeaux

The turn of the millennium vintages are always spoken of with reverence, yet amongst them, the 1999 Le Pin from Chateau Le Pin holds a distinctive allure that captures the essence of a marquee year. The Pomerol region, with its renowned terroir, is often overshadowed by its muscular neighbours; however, in 1999, the canvas of clay and gravel soils painted a distinctly different picture.

 

The Spirit of 1999: A Harmonious Handshake Between Soil and Season

In the year preceding the chaos of Y2K, the grapes on the Right Bank of Bordeaux enjoyed not only the serenity of climatic conditions but also absorbed each nuanced element offered by the earth they sprung from. Chateau Le Pin's 1999 vintage encapsulates this serenity, coming forth as a wine that is not just an investable asset but a sensory theatre in glass.

 

A Vintage to Savour: Elegance Echoed in Complexity

Crafted with the deft touch that Chateau Le Pin is renowned for, the 1999 vintage gives forth an opulence that is charismatic yet not overbearing. This particular harvest was marked by consistent weather that allowed for unhurried ripening, embedding a balance seldom rivalled in subsequent years. It commands attention with a bouquet where dark fruits mingle with earthy undertones; hints of truffle and delicate spice add layers to what is already an enigmatic composition.

The palate follows suit, mirroring this symphony of flavours with impeccable structure and length, leaving behind a trail of velvety tannins. It's this persistence and poise that highlight why the 1999 vintage finds its niche amongst savvy wine investors seeking both pleasure and prestige.

Indubitably, the 1999 Le Pin from Chateau Le Pin exemplifies how Pomerol can assert its subtlety and strength without ostentation. A true testament to viniculture arts from one of Bordeaux's most whispered treasures; this vintage stands as one to be cherished by collectors and connoisseurs alike in the intricate world of fine wine investment.

Market price (GBP)

£28,770.00

12x75cl

Highest score

95

POP score

1918

Scores and tasting notes

95

Tasted at Bipin Desai's Le Pin vertical in Los Angeles. Even compared to the 1998 I found that the Le Pin 1999 is far more interesting on the nose, very expressive, pure and beautifully defined with black cherries, cassis, mulberry, hints of fresh fig and damson, but leaving it to acquaint itself with the air: subtle notes of mint and then balsam emerge. The palate is full-bodied and balanced the super-ripe black fruit with both nervosite and a sense of tension. Blackberry, black cherry, a touch of smoke with a touch of zingy mango sorbet just on the finish, leaving the palate fresh and reinvigorated. What a wonderful wine! A total of 550 cases produced. Drink 2010-2020+ Tasted November 2008.

Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2009

93

This is an example of a wine that has gained considerable weight since I tasted it in 2000 and 2001. It is exotic and sexy, with a cunning display of super-ripe mocha and toast-infused, jammy black cherry fruit, low acidity, and a savory personality. It appears ready to drink, but will undoubtedly take on more delineation and structure as its ages in the bottle. It is a luxuriously rich, decadent 100% Merlot that will be at its finest between 2004-2015.

Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 29 April 2002

Vintage performance