1984 Le Pin
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Tasting notes
The 1984 Le Pin was proffered by the ever-munificent Jacques Thienpont to the Southwold blind tasting group. He was apparently pleased how this pilloried vintage is tasting and one assumes sought third party opinion. I wish I could share his sentiments, because to me, this Pomerol is on a downward spiral. Tawny at the rim, the nose is rather diffuse and ferrous, lacking any fruit concentration that might have redeemed this wine. The palate is not as cohesive as the bottle I tasted back in 2008: rather diffuse and hollow with dry tannin that poke out on the finish where the fruit once was. Larger formats may hold more joy, but I would be cautious regarding bottles of this wine, especially if you are anticipating the opulent Le Pin we know and love. When I met Jacques in June 2016 he told me he was still convinced that the 1984 can offer great pleasure, but perhaps it is now a case of getting lucky with a right bottle. Tasted January 2015.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin
Neal Martin, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 1984 Le Pin is one that I have tasted three times. At Bipin Desai’s tasting in 2008 it was diffuse but commendable for the growing season, even if faded on the finish. Two subsequent bottles suggest that it is in decline. Now showing considerable bricking, the nose is diffuse and ferrous, with hints of oxtail surfacing with time. This lacks the fruit concentration that might have redeemed this wine. The palate is not as cohesive as the bottle tasted in 2008. It is diffuse and hollow with dry tannins that poke out on the finish where the fruit once was. Larger formats may hold more joy. I would be cautious regarding bottles of this wine, especially if you are anticipating the opulent Le Pin. Tasting note taken from the Pomerol book by Neal Martin.
About the producer
Owned by Jacques Thienpont, Le Pin is, without doubt, one of the most famous names in wine. One of the three great names of Pomerol, alongside Pétrus and Ch. Lafleur, it is one of the rarest, most expensive and finest wines in Bordeaux – if not the world.