2015 Le Pin (Pomerol)

Lush, opulent waves of fully ripe fruits wash over you with an approaching-maturity Le Pin, and this is one to strap in to for the full sensory experience. White pepper and sage spice, fresh figs and crushed raspberries, layers of cocoa bean and tobacco, with a sharper mandarin peel and slate finish. Gorgeous, a benchmark in this tasting. 98 points

The 2015 Le Pin is a vintage that has been a bit variable over the years. Now, at ten years old, it has a delightful raspberry- and strawberry-scented bouquet. However, as I asserted before, this is not the most complex showing that Jacques Thienpont has overseen, something that is exposed by juxtaposition against its peers. The palate is medium-bodied with a savory entry, supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity and a meaty tincture emerging toward the placid finish. It doesn`t want to create a fuss. This drinks well, though there are better Le Pins from that decade. Tasted at the 2015 Ten-Year-On tasting at Bordeaux Index. 93 points