Le Pin
What do Whitechapel and (arguably) Bordeaux's most desirable trophy wine have in common? The answer is the architect Robbrecht en Daem. The Belgian was an inspired choice by Jacques Thienpont. His firm transformed the Whitechapel Gallery with its use of "found space". "Adjusting spaces is what we do," says Robbrecht, and at the diminutive Chateau Le Pin space is critical. Within, the new building flows seamlessly and, despite its compact dimensions, never feels cramped or compromised. Unashamedly modern, it sits surprisingly comfortably into the centre of the Pomerol plateau. It's a modest building made of high quality materials which will look even better with age.
And the wine itself. Le Pin is usually at its best in the more unsung vintages. And so it is with the 2011. The long growing season has really suited it and this is a beautifully refined but very seductive wine. Oh, and at precisely half the price of last year's it's also the cheapest Le Pin on the market - a full quarter cheaper than the current market price of the 2008. On our visit to the new building we also tasted Jacques's new St-Emilion property, L'If, so we thought that would be offered en primeur for the first time, too. But it's not to be. The man who declassified 2003 Le Pin has decided he's not sufficiently confident yet in his new property. Now that's class! /AR
'Coming in at 13.3% natural alcohol, this 2011 is a blockbuster Pomerol revealing loads of black currant, kirsch, and raspberry fruit intermixed with hints of licorice, spring flowers and spicy, smoky oak. As always, there is an exoticism to this dense purple-colored offering, and its opulence and flamboyance are hard to resist. This stunningly proportioned, flamboyant Pomerol is somewhat atypical for the vintage. It should drink well for 15+ years. 94-96 points.' - Robert Parker, erobertparker.com
Halves & magnums £10 extra per 9 litre case; other formats on request
