Château Le Pin from Pomerol - A jewel of Bordeaux
Château Le Pin is one of the most famous and sought-after wine estates in the world, located in the right-hand wine-growing region of Pomerol, a small but highly respected wine-growing area in Bordeaux. Although the estate only has a modest vineyard area of around two hectares, its wines enjoy an almost legendary reputation and achieve top prices on the international wine market.
The history of Château Le Pin is comparatively young. Until the 1970s, the winery was hardly known and belonged to the Laubie family. The decisive turning point came in 1979 when Jacques Thienpont, a member of the well-known Belgian wine trading family Thienpont, acquired the estate. The Thienponts were already experienced winemakers, having owned Château Vieux-Château-Certan in Pomerol and Le Pin in Saint-Émilion. Jacques Thienpont recognised the potential of the Le Pin parcels and began to press wines of exceptional quality using modern methods.
Terroir and vineyard
The secret of Château Le Pin lies in its unique terroir. The estate's vineyards are located on a plateau with sandy clay soil interspersed with iron and gravel - typical of the best sites in Pomerol. This soil ensures excellent drainage and gives the wines a special minerality and finesse. The main grape variety is Merlot (around 92%), supplemented by a small proportion of Cabernet Franc (8%).
The small size of the vineyard allows for almost artisanal production with extremely low yields. The grapes are strictly selected and vinification takes place in new French barriques, which gives the wine its opulent yet elegant structure.
The wine from Château Le Pin
The wines of Château Le Pin are known for their incomparable density, variety of flavours and longevity. In contrast to many classic Bordeaux wines, which often require years of ageing, the wines from Le Pin are already accessible at a young age, but develop additional complexity over decades.
Typical aromas are ripe dark fruits such as plums and cherries, combined with notes of truffle, chocolate, liquorice and exotic spices. The wine impresses with its silky tannin structure, velvety texture and long, harmonious finish.
Cult status and market value
Due to the extremely limited production (only around 5000 to 7000 bottles per year) and the worldwide demand, the wines from Château Le Pin are among the most expensive in the world. They are often compared to the top wines of Pétrus and regularly fetch five-figure sums per bottle at auction.
The success of Château Le Pin has also led to controversy. Some purists criticise the modern, extract-rich style, which differs from traditional Bordeaux elegance. Nevertheless, the wine remains a symbol of the highest art of winemaking and exclusivity.
Château Le Pin, Pomerol - Current vintages at a glance
Château Le Pin 2018
Colour: Deep, impenetrable purple with violet reflections.
Nose: Explosive aromas of ripe plums, black cherries and blueberries, accompanied by exotic spices(liquorice, vanilla, cardamom) and a subtle roasted note(chocolate, coffee). With air, a floral component develops(violets, roses).
Palate: Opulent and dense, but with a floating lightness. The tannins are silky, almost melting, carried by juicy acidity. Flavour: Black fruit jam, truffles, tobacco and a mineral precision(graphite). Length: over 60 seconds.
Ageing potential: 2025-2050+.
Château Le Pin 2015
Colour: Rich ruby red with an orange rim (sign of ageing).
Nose : Sweet cherries, mulberries, combined with cedar wood, leather and a hint of truffle.
Palate : Juicy and concentrated, but already accessible. The tannins are round and supple, the flavours are reminiscent of stewed plums, cocoa and sandalwood. Long, warm finish.
Drinking window: Now-2045.
Château Le Pin 2009 (legendary vintage)
Colour: Dark garnet with a slight brick rim.
Nose : Lush black fruits (blackcurrant, blackberry), mixed with mocha, vanilla and an animal note (game, truffle).
Palate: Extremely dense, almost decadent, but never heavy. The tannins are like velvet, the acidity fresh. Flavour: Black cake, liquorice, damp earth. A wine of terrific length and complexity.
Drinking window: Now-2060.
Comparison with other top Pomerols
vs. Petrus: Le Pin is often more fruit-driven and opulent, while Petrus shows more mineral rigour and depth.
vs. Lafleur: Le Pin is more accessible, Lafleur takes longer to open up and has more herbal and floral notes.
vs. Trotanoy: Le Pin is more elegant, Trotanoy tends to be more powerful and structured.
Older vintages - highlights
Château Le Pin 1982
Nose/palate: Ripe cherries, tobacco, mushrooms, truffles, with an incredible freshness for its age. The tannins are fully integrated.
Score: 100/100 Parker points, one of the best Pomerols of all time.
Château Le Pin 1998
Nose/palate: Black olives, plums, leather, with a smoky, peaty underlay.
Status: At its peak, perfect for the next 10-15 years.
What makes Le Pin so special?
Minimalist production (only ~1 hectare of vines!).
Extremely low yields (often less than 30 hl/ha).
100% Merlot (sometimes with a minimal proportion of Cabernet Franc).
New barriques (100%) for 18-24 months, which gives the wine an incredible density and variety of flavours.
Recommendation: If you have the chance to taste a Le Pin, let it decant for at least 2-3 hours to develop its full complexity.
The role of Chateau Le Pin in the wine world
Chateau Le Pin has not only established itself as one of the best wineries in Pomerol, but has also had an influence on the entire Bordeaux wine region. It is recognised as a pioneer in its focus on quality and craftsmanship, which has inspired many other winemakers to follow similar paths.
The philosophy behind the wine production centres on respect for nature and the authentic expression of the terroir. This has helped to cement Pomerol's image as one of the best wine producers in the world.
To summarise, Chateau Le Pin is far more than just a winery. It is a symbol of passion, craftsmanship and the pursuit of perfection. The limited quantities, high quality and fascinating history make Chateau Le Pin wine a coveted treat that captivates connoisseurs and novices alike.
Whether you are a seasoned wine connoisseur or just beginning to explore the world of wine, Chateau Le Pin is a name to remember. The wine reflects not only the terroir of Pomerol, but also the dedication and love that goes into every bottle. If you have the opportunity to taste a vintage of Chateau Le Pin, don't miss this unrivalled experience.
Château Le Pin is a phenomenon in the wine world - a small estate with a huge influence. Its success is based on the perfect combination of unique terroir, visionary winemaking and a consistent focus on quality. For collectors and wine connoisseurs, Château Le Pin epitomises the magic of Pomerol and the fascination of exceptional wines.
1. key historical data
Foundation: 1979 (new compared to Bordeaux classics)
Pioneer: Jacques Thienpont (bought 1 hectare for 1 million francs)
Location: Pomerol, Bordeaux (France)
Vineyard area: Only 2.7 hectares (smallest star Pomerol)
Production: 5000 - 7000 bottles/year (extremely limited)
2 Terroir & grape varieties - The secret of the "Mini-Pétrus"
✅ So il:
Deep gravel & clay layers (similar to Pétrus, but sandier)
Iron oxide content for a mineral flavour
✅ Grape varieties:
Merlot (92%)
Cabernet Franc (8%)
✅ Average age of the vines: 35 years
3. the wines - prices & rarity
| Vintage | Parker points | Market value (€/bottle) |
|---|---|---|
| 1982 | 100 | 5.000-10.000+ |
| 1990 | 100 | 5.000-10.000 |
| 2000 | 99 | 5.000-10.000 |
| 2009 | 100 | 4.000-6.000 |
| 2015 | 99 | 4.000-6.000 |
| 2018 | 98 | 3.000-6.000 |
💡 Attention: Prices fluctuate greatly - 2018 Magnum achieved €18,500 at auction in 2023!
4th production secrets
✅ Minimalist vinification:
Hand-picked in 3-4 passes
Whole cluster fermentation (with 20% stems)
Ageing: 18 months in 100% new oak barrels
✅ Innovations:
Earliest barrel ageing in Pomerol (since 1979)
No filtration
✅ Ecology:
Organic cultivation (no certification)
Pheromone dispenser against pests
5. sensory profile (Le Pin 2009)
Colour: Impenetrable purple
Nose: Cherry jam, truffle, chocolate, liquorice
Palate: Silky texture, melting tannins, 60+ second finish
Ageing potential: 30-50 years
6. economic significance
Appreciation: Up to 30% p.a. (more than Pétrus!)
Counterfeiting rate: Estimated 40% in Asia
Top markets: China (50%), USA (25%), Europe (15%)
7 Le Pin vs. Pétrus - The Pomerol comparison
| Criterion | Le Pin | Pétrus |
|---|---|---|
| Vineyard size | 2.7 ha | 11.4 ha |
| Style | Opulent, fruit-driven | Mineral, complex |
| Price/ha | Highest in the world (€10m+) | €5-6 million |
| Ageing | 30-60 years | 30-70 years |
8. current developments (2024)
🔹 Micro-plot: "La Fleur de Pin" (0.5 ha, first harvest 2025)
🔹 Climate change strategy:
Later harvest for freshness
More Cabernet Franc
🔹 Security:
Hologram labels against counterfeiting
Château Le Pin is not a wine - it is a phenomenon. Its tiny production and cult demand make it the most expensive wine per bottle in the world.
