Richest of the lineup in terms of decadent black cherry and damson plum that seduce straight from the first hit and expand upwards and outwards through the palate. Structured and precise and yet full of abandon, with crème de cassis, bitter chocolate, cinnamon and smoked caramel edging. Pillow-plumped tannins are what always come to mind when I taste Le Pin, and here they are again, so soft and caressing that they are impossible to resist. 435 cases produced, a near perfect embodiment of the singular character of this property, clearly showcasing why it is so treasured. 100% new oak.
Tasted by Jane Anson (at Bordeaux, 07 Sep 2020)
Part of A 'monumental' tasting of Petrus, Le Pin and Lafleur 1998 and 1999

A beautifully made, dark ruby/garnet/plum-colored wine, the 1998 Le Pin offers an exotic bouquet of coconut, kirsch liqueur, and jammy blackberries, all flamboyantly dosed with smoky new oak. It is dense, rich, and plush, with a good tannic framework. At one time, Le Pin was the most exotic wine from Bordeaux's right bank, but there is now considerable competition from all the new St.-Emilion upstarts. While this remains an outstanding, often compelling Pomerol, many far less expensive, equally prodigious alternatives have emerged. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2018.

The 1998 was the favourite of the tasting. I scored it 100 points on release, and it remains a perfect wine, although I thought that it needed another three or four years of bottle age. I remember tasting it from the barrel in the spring of 1999. Its exotic aromas and flavours of wild fruit and its supervelvety tannins were amazing. I didn’t think young wines could be so exciting – even seductive. It was like falling in love.

The Le Pin 1998 is one of the greatest wines of my career. I still remember tasting it from barrel in Spring 1999 in Pomerol. It was enchanting with such mesmerising aromas and complex flavors with seamless tannins and fruit. It was like that last night but so melted together. A perfect wine! Thanks to a dear friend for sharing. (Instagram - posted 23rd November 2019)