Le Pin — The Cult Treasure of Pomerol
Owner: Jacques Thienpont
Region: Pomerol, Bordeaux, France
Vineyard Area: 2 hectares (≈ 4.9 acres)
Average Vine Age: 35 years
Soil Type: Clay and gravel with rich iron deposits
Harvest: Hand harvested
Annual Production: ≈ 8,000 bottles
Blend: Merlot 92%, Cabernet Franc 8%
Website: www.thienpont.com
Email: info@thienpont.com
Address: Route de Catusseau, 33500 Pomerol, France
Phone: +33 5 57 51 33 99
🏰 Estate Overview
Le Pin is a tiny yet legendary estate located in Pomerol, named after the solitary pine tree that stands beside its vineyard. Despite its humble size and lack of a grand château, Le Pin has become one of the most talked-about names in modern Bordeaux. Founded in 1979 by Jacques Thienpont, this micro-estate was carved from a mere one-hectare plot neighboring the famed Pétrus. Its rise to global fame redefined what a luxury wine could be — not by scale, but by sheer quality and character.
📜 A Remarkable Story
Before its purchase by the Thienpont family, Le Pin was an unassuming vineyard whose grapes were sold off in bulk. In 1979, Jacques Thienpont, a Belgian wine merchant and member of a well-known wine family, recognized its potential and acquired the tiny parcel for a then-extraordinary sum of one million francs. His vision was clear — to craft a wine of exceptional purity from meticulous vineyard work and small-scale winemaking. Over the years, he expanded the estate to just over two hectares, and Le Pin became a symbol of rarity and perfection in the Pomerol region.
Le Pin earned immediate attention for its voluptuous texture and seductive aromas — traits that contrast the powerful structure of neighboring Pétrus. In the 1980s and 1990s, critics like Robert Parker and Clive Coates hailed it as one of the finest expressions of Merlot in the world, solidifying its status as a “cult wine.” Because of its tiny production (only around 7,000 bottles per year), it quickly became a collector’s treasure — and one of the most sought-after wines in existence.
🌱 Vineyard and Terroir
Le Pin’s vineyard lies on a gentle slope of gravel and clay rich in iron, a soil composition similar to Pétrus but with a softer microclimate that favors Merlot. The vines are planted at high density and carefully maintained for low yields to maximize concentration and depth. Sustainable practices and meticulous hand selection are essential to Jacques Thienpont’s philosophy — a commitment to precision and purity that defines every vintage of Le Pin.
🍇 Winemaking Philosophy
Everything at Le Pin is crafted on a micro scale. Fermentation takes place in small stainless-steel tanks, followed by maturation in 100% new French oak barrels for 16 to 20 months. This hands-on approach results in a wine that is remarkably silky, fragrant, and intensely expressive. Each barrel is tasted individually before blending — a true labor of love that embodies the spirit of artisanal winemaking.
🍷 Wine Character
Le Pin is often described as the most hedonistic of Pomerol wines — lush, velvety, and opulent, yet with striking balance and finesse. Typical aromas include plum, truffle, violet, and exotic spice, while the palate reveals an extraordinary depth of fruit wrapped in silky tannins. Although early drinking is possible, great vintages can age gracefully for decades, developing layers of earth, cocoa, and cedar with time. Its luxury lies not only in its price or rarity, but in its unmistakable emotional impact.
📞 Contact Information
Address: Route de Catusseau, 33500 Pomerol, France
Website: www.thienpont.com
Email: info@thienpont.com
Phone: +33 5 57 51 33 99
* Photo Courtesy of sothebys.com