Chateau Le Pin 2015

JAMES SUCKLING: "I am lost for words to describe this young wine, but it’s like walking into the best flower shop in Paris. Flowers galore with dark fruits as well. Full-bodied, very tannic and exotic. Amazing muscle and finesse at the same time. Phenomenal wine. This is half a normal harvest. Greatest ever, clearly. Wait until 2026."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2015 Le Pin hits the dance floor with a completely gregarious nose of plum preserves, blackberry tart and wild blueberries, boldly accented by suggestions of Chinese five spice, cigar boxes, menthol and violets plus an earthy waft of underbrush. Full-bodied, concentrated, muscular and earthy with a firm backbone of exquisitely ripe, grainy tannins and plenty of freshness, it has an incredibly long finish featuring exotic spice and mineral layers."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Good things come to those that wait. Due to the higher than normal sugar levels in the wine, 2015 Le Pin was not able to be tasted during the premiers. This stunner was certainly worth waiting for. Deep ruby in color, with truffle, floral, black and blue fruit and a touch of kirsch in the nose, the wine shows a lush, silky, decadent, mouth feel. The opulent finish does not quit, as the spicy cherry griotte, kirsch, marzipan and clay tinged finish lasts close to 60 seconds! The wine reached 14.2% alcohol with a pH of 3.72, produced from 100% Merlot, the wine is aging in 100% new, French oak barrels. If you cannot afford a bottle, and not many people can, try and find a rich friend that is lucky enough to buy the wine. It is going to be hard to find as only 500 cases were made this year."

WINE SPECTATOR: "This delivers a rich torrent of steeped fig, black currant and blackberry compote flavors, melding with a range of bramble, dried anise and singed alder notes. Offers ample grip thanks to a buried graphite edge. This brims with juicy energy, and the fruit seems nearly boundless. Best from 2023 through 2040."