Le Pin 1999

subtle and yummy, with lovely ripe plum character, hints of dried fruit and spices. Full-bodied, with soft and round tannins and a delicious, succulent finish. One of the wines of the vintage. Best after 2005. 500 cases made.

This is an example of a wine that has gained considerable weight since I first tasted it. Exotic and sexy, with a cunning display of superripe mocha and toast-infused, jammy black cherry fruit, low acidity, and a savoury personality, it appears ready to drink, but will undoubtedly take on more delineation and structure as it ages in the bottle. A luxuriously rich, decadent, 100% Merlot, it will be at its finest between 2004-2015.

A monster. Full-bodied, with loads of soft, ripe tannins and a finish that lasts for minutes. Perhaps as good, maybe even better, than the legendary '98. Clearly the wine of the vintage.