An explosion of fruit and exotic spice, as is so often the case with this wine. I am tasting this at a relatively cold temperature and yet still the tannins are silky, creamy and supple, extremely impressive. As it opens, campfire smoke, hints of petrol and passion fruit, nuanced black truffle, rosemary, blueberry and black cherry fruits. This is perfumed and envelops the palate, coming in waves, just a brilliant Le Pin. 100% new oak.

An evocative nose, floral and exotic with black cherry, lychee and passion fruit aromas, delicate and nuanced. Svelte on the palate with sculpted and refined tannins - it's confident, with sinew, muscle and plump fruit, but not showy. Characterful and bold but presented with a lightness of touch alongside a gorgeous fragrance and freshness that carries the wine to a long finish. Well built with depth and poise. Drinking Window 2030 - 2050

The 2019 Le Pin, 100% Merlot, is deep garnet-purple in color. It gallops out with energetic notes of crushed black and red cherries, wild blueberries, and forest floor, giving way to suggestions of cast-iron pan, menthol, and damp soil. The full-bodied palate delivers a fantastically earthy/minerally palate with beautiful harmony and velvety tannins, finishing long and layered.

The 2019 Le Pin is magical. Soft, seamless and exceptionally beautiful, the 2019 is riveting right out of the gate. The wine's balance is just mind-blowing. In this vintage, the new oak is down to 80%, which works so well here in helping release an extra kick of freshness. Red/purplish fruit, rose petal, blood orange, mint, lavender and sweet spice build into the dramatic, sweeping finish. In a word: magnificent! -- Antonio Galloni

The 2019 Le Pin is a rich, expansive wine that soars from the glass with aromas of raspberry preserve, plums, wild berries, rose petals and licorice, framed by a deftly judged patina of creamy new oak. Full-bodied, supple and velvety, it's broad and enveloping, with a fleshy core of fruit that's framed by lively acids and powdery tannins, concluding with a long, aromatic finish. Rich in gravel on the surface, Le Pin's vines are rooted in clay, which no doubt helps to explain how this wine can perform so well in warm, dry vintages. As is the norm these days, the 2019 was matured in 70% new oak. - William Kelley

A classic Le Pin in its exuberant, kinky, sexy, almost over-ripe style, the 2019 Château Le Pin offers a monster nose of black cherry liqueur, red plums, tobacco leaf, mocha, orange peel, and violets. Truly exotic and one of a kind, it hits the palate with a powerful, full-bodied, opulent yet seamless mouthfeel that carries ample tannic grip, a deep, layered mid-palate, and a great finish. It has some elevated volatile acidity and won't be for everyone, but this exotic, dry port-like Merlot needs a good 5-7 years of bottle age and will drink well for 20-25 years.