Château le Pin

Château Le Pin, located in the Pomerol appellation, is one of the most prestigious and sought-after wines in Bordeaux, with a reputation for producing exceptionally high-quality Merlot. The estate, which covers just 2.7 hectares, is known for its small production—typically around 600 to 700 cases per year. The vineyard's soil is a mix of sandy gravel over limestone bedrock, creating an ideal terroir for the 100% Merlot vines, which are on average 38 years old​.

The estate was purchased in 1979 by Jacques Thienpont, whose family also owns the nearby Vieux Château Certan. Despite its humble beginnings—when the winery was essentially a dilapidated farmhouse—Le Pin quickly gained a reputation for excellence. A new, modern winery was built in 2011, featuring small stainless steel vats and gravity flow systems to ensure the highest quality of wine​.

Known for its rich, velvety texture and expressive aromas, Le Pin frequently receives some of the highest ratings from wine critics, including those from Wine Advocate and James Suckling. While occasionally touted as a "garage wine" due to its small scale, the Thienpont family rejects this label, emphasizing the quality of their terroir rather than relying on unconventional winemaking methods​.

Le Pin has also made a name for itself as one of the world's most expensive wines, with bottles often appearing at high-profile wine auctions​.