At a glance

Producer

Château Le Pin

Region

Pomerol, Bordeaux, France

Grape variety

Merlot (100%)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Smooth

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

USD 3,500 - 6,500 per 750ml bottle

Tasting profile

Shows intense dark plum, black cherry, and blackcurrant fruit with hints of truffle, leather, graphite, and subtle floral notes.

Evolution: Will develop nuanced tertiary aromas of forest floor, tobacco, and spice with softened tannins over the next 10-20 years.

At peak: At peak, expect great complexity, harmony of silky texture, and long, layered finish.

Structure

Acidity

Moderate balanced acidity ensuring freshness

Tannins

Silky yet firm tannins with fine-grain

Alcohol

14.0% ABV

Aging potential

30-40+ years

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2030 to 2045

Optimal window

2025 to 2050

Current status

Approaching early maturity with considerable aging potential

Current condition

Currently showing a deep, extracted profile with primary fruit and developing tertiary notes

2016 was an excellent vintage in Pomerol, marked by ideal ripening conditions producing ripe, concentrated Merlot with depth and balance. Château Le Pin, known for their small production and meticulous vineyard management, crafted a wine with superb tannic structure and freshness, promising extended aging well beyond 30 years.

Food pairing

Pairs beautifully with roasted duck, lamb, game birds, mushroom risotto, and mature cheeses such as Comté or aged Gruyère.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To allow delicate aromas to open and tannins to soften, enhancing the wine's complexity and smoothness.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

Traditional Bordeaux viticulture with increasing attention to sustainable farming; limited published data on energy and water conservation or packaging innovations

Château Le Pin operates with a focus on quality rather than industrial-scale sustainability certifications. While not formally organic or biodynamic certified, their small-scale, low-yield practices reduce environmental impact per bottle. However, premium Bordeaux wines often incur higher carbon footprints due to global transport and luxury packaging materials. Overall, moderate sustainability with potential for future improvements.