Nose
Smudgy sweet ink on the nose. Very pure nose. Lifted and lively and real energy. It has a fresh and generous bouquet with red cherries, cranberry and pomegranate scents, the oak beautifully integrated, touches of black truffle and even a hint of smoke tucked in just underneath.
Palate
It’s hugely concentrated on the palate, but this is reined in by a pleasing freshness and a saline note. The palate is medium-bodied with filigree tannin, tightly wound and taut, with a stunning sense of focus. I cannot remember a Le Pin with such tension and detail perhaps even quite understated towards the saline finish, but very very precise.
Growing Conditions
Le Pin's soil is a mixture of gravel and clay with a little sand and is exceptionally low yielding (between 30 to 35 hl/hc). The dry weather reduced the production.
Harvest
The 2016 vintage is the first time in Le Pin’s history that the harvest didn’t begin until October.
Winemaking
The grapes are hand-harvested and are fermented in stainless steel.
The 2016 Le Pin was made from ten different lots from the usual six, because the drought affected the different parcels and vines needed separating (indicated by paint mark on the pole).
Aging
Matured in`200%` new oak barriques for between 14 and 18 months.
Appearance
Glowing crimson.
