2012 Le Pin
By Chateau Le Pin
2012 Le Pin from Chateau Le Pin, Pomerol, Bordeaux
The terroir of Pomerol has long provided a canvas for winemaking masterpieces, and the 2012 vintage of Le Pin from Chateau Le Pin is no exception. This vintage is often unfairly overlooked due to the challenging weather conditions faced across Bordeaux, which makes the achievements of Chateau Le Pin in this year all the more remarkable.
The Distinction of 2012
While the region grappled with heterogeneous climatic whims, Chateau Le Pin’s intimate understanding of its vineyards came into full play. The estate's meticulous attention to detail honed over years of dedicated viticulture resulted in a wine that defies the difficulties of the season. Unlike its peers who faced adversity, the 2012 Le Pin prevails with an intricately woven profile of concentration and elegance.
A Unique Expression of Pomerol
In the glass, the wine presents a mesmerising depth with a hue reminiscent of dark rubies. The aroma entices with a mélange of ripe cherries and black currants coupled with subtle hints of truffle – a nod to the influential presence of Merlot in this illustrious blend. On the palate, it astonishes with an amalgamation of velvety textures and a structure that harmonises strength with grace; a hallmark of Chateau Le Pin's deft craftsmanship in such trying vintages.
a presence on the palate which seems to articulate every nuance of its terroir with each revelatory sip. Through measured sips, one discerns the seductive layering of flavours - a testament to the estate's expertise in barrel ageing. This wine asserts its right to stand amongst others as an investment-grade vintage, promising development with years in cellarage.
In summary, the 2012 Le Pin poignantly encapsulates the essence of Pomerol's terroir under strife. It emerges not just as a triumph over adversity but as a compelling narrative for investors seeking vintages that tell a storied tale. With time, we may see it ascend in desirability; it may be prudent to give it space within one's portfolio now – much like affording it time in one’s cellar – to witness its potential unfold.
Market price (USD)
$30,510.00
12x75cl
Highest score
97
POP score
1470
Scores and tasting notes
This is phenomenal for the vintage. Aromas of roses, blueberries and clay. Full and dense yet it finishes long and agile. It goes on for minutes. Truly a great bottle here. It's the 2001 in the remake, which was better than 2000. This is 100 percent Merlot. Normally a tiny percent of Cabernet Franc too. Only 500 cases.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, April 4th 2013
Tasted blind at the Southwold 2012 tasting, 2012 Le Pin put in a very strong performance. It has a strict, graphite-infused bouquet that is strangely Pauillac-like (not a trait I have noticed on other vintages; I wonder whether it is just a passing phase?). This is earthier than its peers, with hints of leather in the background and sous-bois aromas becoming more and more accentuated by time. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, elegant and understated in style with a fine line of acidity, harmonious and thankfully not screaming and shouting towards the stylish finish. This is an outstanding wine from Jacques Thienpont that might well be unfairly over-shadowed by the 2009 and 2010. Tasted January 2016.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 28 October 2016
The 2012 Le Pin exhibits a surprisingly opaque purple color, moderately high tannin, deep mocha and jammy berry characteristics, unexpected headiness, an alcoholic blast and lots of glycerin and fruit. This beauty should come into its own in 4-5 years, and last for 15 or more. This 100% Merlot cuvee is a fresher, lighter-styled effort than this estate's blockbuster 2009 and 2010, but it is surprisingly intense with plenty of weight, clout and class. Yields were a tiny 30 hectoliters per hectare (due to poor flowering and excessive drought), and the wine was produced from fruit harvested between October 2 and 5.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #206
The Le Pin was cropped between 1st and 3rd October at 32hl/ha and achieved a relatively high IPT of 77. After fifteen day fermentation and a short maceration it was run off into new barrels (Seguin Moreau and Taransaud) on 22nd October. It offers plenty of pure dark cherry, blackcurrant and cassis fruit on the nose with superb delineation and freshness. It opens wonderfully over five or ten minutes offering a subtle brine/black olive note, the oak deftly integrated into the fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with a hint of dark chocolate on the entry. There is good weight and tension although towards the finish there is a patina of wood that should be subsumed throughout its maturation. This strict, correct and upstanding Le Pin would benefit from a touch of flesh, but it is a stylish Pomerol for sure. Tasted April 2013.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2013