The 2019 vintage of Bordeaux faced a challenging growing season. A heat wave and drought persisted in the lead-up to harvest, followed by rain at the very end. However, the summer was long and dry, and the harvest proceeded without major issues thanks to just the right amount of water during the harvest period. In the Right Bank region, harvesting of Merlot continued well into the early part of October. Across the entire vintage, the Right Bank showed greater consistency than the Left Bank, and for the top-tier wineries located on the Pomerol plateau, 2019 marked the sixth consecutive good vintage.
In the glass, the 2019 Château Le Pin is dense and full-bodied rather than lean, with the smooth texture characteristic of Pomerol Merlot when the fruit is fully ripe. The tannins are enveloped by the fruit aromas. It is still a young wine, and you can clearly sense that youthfulness when you taste it.
Robert Parker (97)
The 2019 Le Pin is a rich, expansive wine that soars from the glass with aromas of raspberry preserve, plums, wild berries, rose petals and licorice, framed by a deftly judged patina of creamy new oak. Full-bodied, supple and velvety, it's broad and enveloping, with a fleshy core of fruit that's framed by lively acids and powdery tannins, concluding with a long, aromatic finish. Rich in gravel on the surface, Le Pin's vines are rooted in clay, which no doubt helps to explain how this wine can perform so well in warm, dry vintages. As is the norm these days, the 2019 was matured in 70% new oak.
Jancis Robinson (18)
Cool and fresh and savoury with a certain treacly intensity. Slightly sandy, drying tannins on the end. In a minor key compared with some of the greats. But quite subtle and satisfying.
Jeb Dunnuck (95)
A classic Le Pin in its exuberant, kinky, sexy, almost over-ripe style, the 2019 Château Le Pin offers a monster nose of black cherry liqueur, red plums, tobacco leaf, mocha, orange peel, and violets. Truly exotic and one of a kind, it hits the palate with a powerful, full-bodied, opulent yet seamless mouthfeel that carries ample tannic grip, a deep, layered mid-palate, and a great finish. It has some elevated volatile acidity and won't be for everyone, but this exotic, dry port-like Merlot needs a good 5-7 years of bottle age and will drink well for 20-25 years.
BOW (9+)
Jane Anson (99)
An explosion of fruit and exotic spice, as is so often the case with this wine. I am tasting this at a relatively cold temperature and yet still the tannins are silky, creamy and supple, extremely impressive. As it opens, campfire smoke, hints of petrol and passion fruit, nuanced black truffle, rosemary, blueberry and black cherry fruits. This is perfumed and envelops the palate, coming in waves, just a brilliant Le Pin. 100% new oak.
