Chateau Le Pin   Le Pin

2005 Le Pin

By Chateau Le Pin

The Enigmatic 2005 Le Pin from Chateau Le Pin, Pomerol, Bordeaux

In the pantheon of Bordeaux's elite, the 2005 Le Pin from Chateau Le Pin resides with rarefied composure. Reflecting on this exceptional vintage, I am reminded that historical context is as essential to the vintner as terroir. The growing season of 2005 brought a balanced blend of warmth and rain, providing the ideal canvas for this majestic release.

 

Sophistication in Maturation

The passage of time has been exceedingly kind to the 2005 Le Pin. Its evolution in the bottle reveals a tale of graceful ageing and meticulous care from grape to glass. Pomerol’s famously iron-rich clay soil, interlaced with gravel, bestows a concentration and complexity to the Merlot-dominated blend that is singularly profound.

 

A Vintage Positioned for Investment

For enthusiasts and investors alike, an allocation of 2005 Le Pin represents more than mere acquisition—it's the embodiment of a splendour rarely surpassed. The market's appetite for such sterling vintages is unwavering, positioning this wine as a cornerstone in the portfolios of those with discerning taste and an eye toward value appreciation.

The bouquet of the 2005 vintage cascades into layers of ripe black fruits and an undercurrent of truffles and leather—an olfactory ballet set against an oaken backdrop. On the palate unfolds a tapestry of velvety tannins that paint deep strokes of plum and cherry flavours infused with spicy notes, culminating in a finish both opulent and enduring.

In summary, the 2005 Le Pin from Chateau Le Pin, endowed with Pomerol's distinctive character, stands as one of the most intriguing wines for investment consideration. Both its inherent quality and investment pedigree make it an unassailable choice for those looking to enrich their collection with a touchstone vintage. Not often does one find a wine where maturation dovetails so seamlessly with market maturity—an investment poised to satisfy both connoisseur and financier alike.

Market price (USD)

$38,200.00

12x75cl

Highest score

96

POP score

1955.63

Scores and tasting notes

96

Tasted single blind at Southwold. Layers of glycerine on the luxuriant nose, almost honeyed in texture with saturated plumy fruit that belies a sense of minerality underneath. A Merlot-driven entry: medium-bodied, not as tannic as I was expected but very elegant. Fine tannins, bright red-berried fruit, strawberry and a touch of redcurrant. Very opulent and lush towards the finish. Precocious. Drink 2013-2030+ Tasted January 2009.

Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jul 2009

93

While I would not rank the 2005 Le Pin as highly as the 2001, 2000, 1998, 1989, 1983, or 1982, it is still a beautiful wine offering a deep ruby/purple color along with an open-knit nose of caramel, coconut, coffee, melted chocolate, and sweet, jammy black cherry and currant fruit. The alluring fragrance is followed by an opulent, luscious Pomerol with flamboyant flavors of ripe black fruits intermixed with hints of roasted herbs, meat juices, plums, and Asian spices. Unfortunately, the world’s billionaires quickly gobble up Le Pin’s 500 cases, even at preposterously high prices. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025.

Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 29 April 2008

Vintage performance