1996 Le Pin, Pomerol 1x75cl

Robert Parker 91

Tasted from a half-bottle with Jacqcues Thienpont, the 1996 Le Pin was served against the 1986 and, to be honest, this particular example was put in the shade by the older wine. Visibly more mature on the rim, the nose is not quite as cohesive as the 1986 with mulberry, leather, fig and tertiary aromas. The palate has good weight, which is commendable given that this was not a Right Bank vintage, but the tannins feel just a little coarse and it certainly did not offer the same degree of precision as the 1986 Le Pin. Maybe there are better bottles out there, but I would be inclined to drink mine (if I had any) over the next 5-10 years. Tasted June 2016. [Neal Martin, 28/09/2017]

Anticipated maturity: 2016-2026