This wine has closed down somewhat since I had it from barrel and exhibits a firm, earthy, mineral-laced style. Made from 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, the ripe black raspberry and blueberry fruit are present, along with some sandy, loamy soil notes. The tannins are sweet, but very elevated, and the wine rich and long but currently somewhat austere and needing bottle age. Give it 2 or 3 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 15+ years.

Robert Parker (Wine Advocate #199, Feb 2012)

A blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc, the 2009 La Tour du Pin has a fresh, rounded bouquet of small red cherries, cassis, mint and apple-blossom. Nicely defined, though perhaps could do with a little more vigour. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, slightly chalky tannins, gentle but insistent grip; linear and pure towards the tobacco tinged finish that displays a firm structure with a thread of citrus fruits lending definition. Tasted March 2010.

– eRobertParker.com, May 2010

[80/20] Restrained nose of freshly ripe fruit, very minerally; beautifully balanced, fresh, supple, concentrated wine, present but fine tannins; deliciously rich, flowing, supple fruit, warm, gently spicy, old viney (35yrs old) flavour, gently complex, long and fine in the mouth, and with very fine length on the finish. Densely juicy but without any excess or coarseness, and with no trace of excess sweetness, or the 'fashionable' overripeness. An easy, smiling St Emilion, made by the Cheval Blanc team. Absolutely lovely wine. 2016-26