There are 580 cases of the exotic, flamboyant 2004 Le Pin. Its dense plum/ruby color is accompanied by sweet aromas of kirsch, cassis, smoke, earth, and roasted herbs. Super-opulent for the vintage, it possesses wonderful fruit and glycerin, medium to full body, and a fleshy personality. It should drink well young, yet age nicely for two decades or more. The Pomerol of the vintage?

(tasted from cuve Classic Le Pin perfume of raspberry, cocoa powder and toasty oak, with an ineffable topnote of orange peel. Wonderfully delicate and precise in the mouth, with flavors and texture that reminded me of great Burgundy. The vibrant, utterly pure flavors of crushed raspberry, minerals, flowers and spices go on and on on the aftertaste, which does not show the oaky torrefaction of the young 2005. A great and subtle expression of merlot on the Pomerol plateau. I am not sure that the 2005 will surpass this.

One of the top Pomerols of the vintage, the impressive 2004 Le Pin boasts a classic, exotic perfume of caramelized black fruits, spicy new oak, espresso roast, and chocolate. It is well-delineated, opulent, and medium to full-bodied with refreshing acidity as well as a vigorous, long finish. It will probably close down over the next several years, re-emerge in 5-7 years, and drink well for the following 15+.

This is not a powerful Le Pin, more elegant and refined. Wild strawberry and wet sand on the nose. Touch of savory fruit. Very graceful on the palate, moderate length. Understated: the tannins appear light, but there is great balance. My sample did not quite have the focus of VCC. Very fine. Tasted April 2005.