Château Le Pin 2018

The density and texture to this Le Pin is very surprising. It’s tannic and intense with an angular and stony-mineral undertone. Full-bodied yet energetic and edgy. Great structure. Reminds me of the great 1986.

(100 Merlot) | 100% new oak | 14.5% alc | 30 hl/ha | 3.7 pH | 70 IPT A very intense nose leads the way with supreme richness and decadence. The acidity on the finish is amazing, too, and these two elements bookend a profoundly delicious, densely exotic wine dotted with spice and wild flower notes. It is the layering of eight different plots of Merlot on the 2.5ha property which makes this such a fascinating and rewarding wine. There is already some superb depth on display and the palate is expansive without any unwanted muscle or brawn. I made no notes at all about the oak and this is because it is at one with the wine. Jacques Thienpont thinks it is like a blend of 2015 and 2016 in one wine. I think that this is a nice image and yet there is a suppleness in this vintage which brings and extra level of charm to this wine and this sums up the 2018 vintage.