A tremendous effort, this 500-case cuvee (one of Bordeaux’s original garage operations) is even better in 2001 than it was in 2000. Its deep ruby/plum/purple color is accompanied by an extraordinary perfume of creme de cassis, cherry liqueur, plums, licorice, caramel, and sweet toast. This flamboyant, opulently textured, rich, concentrated Pomerol is a brilliant success as well as one of the wines of the vintage for 2001. Its low acidity and extraordinary ripeness suggest early drinkability, but it has proven it can last for 18-20 years.

Tasted at Bipin Desai’s Le Pin vertical in Los Angeles. Like the Le Pin 2000, this has a remarkably deep colour. The nose has great lift and definition, again just a little Burgundian, not as complex as the 2000 but with lovely damson, blueberry and black cherries; the palate medium-bodied, very pure with touches of fruit cake and superb mineralite. Like the previous bottle, there is a sense of Tuscan vivaciousness here with seductive, exotic black fruits towards the finish. I feel this is still a little backward, so allow it another 2-3 years in the cellar. This has the potential to merit a higher score in the future. 420 cases made. Drink 2011-2020+ Tasted November 2008.

Le Pin is the leading candidate for the sexiest, kinkiest, most exotic wine of the vintage. Aromas and flavors of overripe black fruits intermixed with coconut, vanilla, toast, and espresso beans nearly overwhelm the taster. It is fleshy and succulent, with low acidity, ripe tannin, and a pure, sensual personality. Jacques Thienpont produces 575 cases of this exotic, over-the-top, ripe Pomerol. Yields were 32 hectoliters per hectare in 2001. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2015.

Bright ruby-red. Aromas of bitter cherry, roast coffee, dark chocolate and tobacco. Fairly dense and thick, but still youthfully tight; a bit heavy for this wine at this stage. Flavors of bitter cherry, dark chocolate and spicy oak. Finishes long and firmly tannic. A second barrel showed a more perfumed, Burgundian nose; hints of herbs and tobacco leaf on the palate; and less obvious sweetness but more complexity. Will this have the concentration for outstanding? Carrying just 12.2% alcohol, but then these stressed vines rarely produce freakishly high grape sugars.

Tasted over supper at the estate, the family served this after the main course and before dessert - so basically a Le Pin course all of its own. Totally merited, a wonderful vintage that was just melting into perfection. Pillow-plumped tannins, creamy berry fruits, that Le Pin sense of vibrancy and luxury. You just know you are in the hand of experts with this wine. Drinking Window 2019 - 2040
Tasted by Jane Anson
Part of Top scoring wines of 2019: 100 points

Wow! What a wine. It is impossible not to be seduced here by its sultry, sensuous, silky, exotic texture. The perfectly ripe fruit comes in layers, each wine seeking your attention. The opulent, velvet-drenched finish is pure, bottled sex. I will never be able to afford this. But for those that can, this is one of the wines of your life. Drink this now and over the next decade. Tasted April 2022