Le Pin 2009

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Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Exceptional purity and a blockbuster nose of mocha, black cherry liqueur, mulberries and plums are followed by an extravagantly rich wine that seems to have a nearly endless finish. Truly haute couture of Merlot, so to speak, this wine has a finish that goes well past a minute, with wonderfully sweet tannins and a provocative, concentrated, broad mouthfeel that is remarkably luxurious. This is amazing stuff! It should drink well for 20-25 years. This is undeniably the greatest Le Pin I have tasted at such an infantile age. There are about 500 cases of this wine, which is made by the Thienpont family, the owners of Vieux Chateau Certan. One hundred percent Merlot, it continues to possess the exoticism of previous vintages, but the oak at present is far better crafted and integrated than in the debut vintage of 1979.

robert_parker94

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Picked on 22nd and 25th September from younger vines and then older, a blend assembled by Jacques Thienpont direct from barrel, delivering 13.5% alcohol and a pH 3.7, the ’09 Le Pin has a very pure lifted bouquet of blueberry, blackberry, a touch of black plum and a hint of truffle. The palate is full-bodied with quite sinewy tannins, just a little aggression at the moment, which will be softened during elevage. A compact Le Pin at the moment, quite linear and strict towards the finish then a hint of spice on the aftertaste. I feel that this is not showing its best at the moment, but it should meld together nicely by the time of bottling. Tasted April 2010.

robert_parker98

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

A great classic, the 2009 Le Pin (100% Merlot) displays unreal density and a profound flavor profile, but also reveals good structure and elegance. Even though it is aged in 100% new oak, no wood is detectable, which is a tip off to what we are dealing with in the most extraordinary 2009s. The oak and tannins are often totally unnoticeable because of the sheer magnitude and mass of fruit and glycerin. This 2009, made in the style of the 1982, should drink well for 25 or more years. (Tasted once.)

robert_parker95

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Tasted with Jacques T at the property, this is an intriguing Le Pin. The nose has really closed down since its exuberant showing out of barrel. Dark berried fruits, crushed stone, a hint of black olive. Good definition. The acidity has really lifted on the palate with a distinct saline element from start to finish. At the moment, this is not an expressive Le Pin, a little introspective at the moment, but full of enigma. Very “symmetrical” and taut. There is just a hint of white pepper coming back after five minutes. Excellent. Tasted September 2011.

robert_parker96

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Served blind at the Southwold 2009 tasting. There is a beguiling airiness to this Le Pin: brilliant delineation, feminine, lovely black cherry and cassis and stunning minerality. There is wonderful tension. The palate is medium-bodied with great finesse and understatement. This saunters to greatness, the finish incredibly long and compelling. This is a stupendous Le Pin from Jacques Thienpont. Tasted January 2013.

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Reviewed by: Lisa Perrotti-Brown

Medium garnet colored, the 2009 Le Pin comes charging out of the glass with exuberant notions of baked red and black cherries, mulberries and warm plums with touches of star anise, cigar box and lavender plus wafts of menthol and fragrant soil. Full-bodied and boldly fruited, it has tons of vibrant red and black fruit layers with wonderful mineral and floral sparks throughout the long, plushly textured finish.

vinous96

Reviewed by: Ian d'Agata

(100% merlot; from a crop level of 34 hectoliters per hectare; pH 3.70; 13.5% alcohol; harvested on September 22 and 25) Deep ruby-red. Perfumed, expressive aromas of cassis, blackberry liqueur and minerals lack the sheer decadent opulence of some recent vintages. Then wonderfully clean and precise, with flavors of blackberry and plum complicated by hints of Oriental spices, bitter chocolate and minerals. Firmer than usual but still silky-smooth owing to perfectly ripe tannins. Finishes long and vibrant, with a lingering note of creamy blackberry. Lucky Le Pin collectors will likely find this vintage to be more refined but a shade less opulent than usual. It reminded me a little of the 1990, and it should age just as well.

vinous97

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The 2009 Le Pin has an attractive bouquet with scents of black cherries, truffle, orange rind and hints of pain d’épices developing. I appreciate the definition here, the sense of control, the terroir coming through as much as the growing season. The palate is medium-bodied with svelte tannin, a fine bead of acidity, spicier than the last time I encountered this vintage. Gentle grip and fine tension towards the bay leaf and white peppery finish. This finishes in some style and it should age with grace. Excellent. Tasted at BI Wines & Spirits' Ten Years On tasting.