Ethereal, silky and marvelously poised, the 2011 Le Pin (WWB, 97) is sourced from an extremely small estate is located in the commune of Pomerol. It is amongst the world's most expensive red wines, as this was very graciously shared by my colleague Dr. Hong. I was most impressed by the opulent, pillowy texture of the wine, which is still quite primary now at the eight year mark. Elegant tannins line the massive core of dark fruits, all leading the breathtaking, near minute-long finish. This true heavyhitter really needs another ten years of bottle age to hit its stride and will provide drinking enjoyment past my lifetime. Drink 2025-2055- 97 — 5 years ago
Super balanced even after 11 years. Without any doubt a big big wine. Will buy my second bottle to be stored in my cellar. — 6 years ago
Pronounced nose of Juicy red plums, red cherries, strawberry, raspberry and cranberry, rose hips, dust ... fresh herbs and mint then licorice. Med+ acid, medium body with smooth silky integrated tannins. Medium finish but overall so incredibly weightless yet with so much character... showed even better the second night!
What is so impressive is how refreshing and lifted this is amongst so many darker ready wines from this warm vintage!!! — 5 years ago
Was lucky enough to try again. History of Chapoutier family dates back to the early 19th century when current owner Michel Chapoutier’s great-, great-, great-grandfather Marius purchased estate & famous l’Hermitage vineyards. Aromas of rich red fruits and elegant spice. On the palate raspberry, cherry & currant flavors with notes of floral and oak. Firm tight Rustic tannins that ease up a bit with time, well balanced ending with spice and cedar. Very nice! Tasting Sample. Has lots of room to bottle evolve. — 5 years ago
Tastes like Cab Franc done well, fuller bodied at 14% abv, smoke, pyrazene, cedar, dark cherries, and game. Medium tannins and elevated acidity. — 6 years ago
Lots of fun bottles were popped at Al’s hosting this past weekend for his birthday celebration. All were served blind. 1 sparkler, 2 whites, 6 reds and 1 dessert wine.
Fantastic showing. Unmistakably Rhône. It smells of charred potpourri, spicy rhubarb and tea leaves. On the palate, it was light and nimble with a decidedly black pepper like finish. I was very confident this was southern Rhône CdP as I didn’t get any smoked meat or iron type notes like I typically do with northern Rhône. Just a hint of sweetness in the black cherry core to bring out the acidity and smooth the tannins. I called this southern Rhône CdP from the mid 2000s. — 5 years ago
Wonderful wine, best producer! — 6 years ago
Lee Pitofsky
Drinking so great right now. A terrific balance of both power and elegance showing excellent complexity and depth. Sweet black and red fruits, dried red flowers and seamlessly integrated tannins. Alcohol is a bit prevalent at first, but blows off after an hour decant. Finishes long, velvety and seductive. In a wonderful place. — 5 years ago