January 10, 2025
Aged in Le Pin Barrels - One of Bordeaux’s in Vogue estates
At the Fine Wine Library, we pride ourselves on staying ahead of the curve, and keeping a close eye on market trends and developments in the wine regions. Today, we’re excited to offer you the chance to add something unique and under-the-radar to your collection—a hidden gem from Bordeaux worth discovering!
From the Thienpont family, the makers of Le Pin: L'Hetre 2020
Chateau L’Hêtre, situated in Bordeaux's Castillon-Côtes de Bordeaux, has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. Jacques Thienpont, renowned for Le Pin in Pomerol and L’If in Saint Emilion, was captivated by the estate’s exceptional location and breathtaking views, perched on the limestone plateau extending east from Saint Emilion. This inspired his investment in L’Hêtre, a promising new project that reflects his commitment to crafting extraordinary wines. The 2016 vintage was the first vintage created by its new owner.
Chateau L’Hêtre benefits from exceptional terroir, with vineyards perched on a limestone plateau and slopes of clay, chalk, and limestone, ensuring ideal drainage and minerality. The estate practices organic viticulture, reflecting a commitment to sustainable excellence. In 2019, the introduction of climate-controlled concrete vats enhanced precision winemaking, allowing for detailed plot vinification and greater expression of the terroir. The wine is aged in a mixture of one-third new oak and second-year barrels. A portion of the wine is aged in barrels previously used at the iconic Le Pin, adding depth and complexity.
Photo: concrete vats
With the expertise and improvements brought by the Thienpont family, it was only a matter of time before Cheateau L'Hetre started to make a name for itself and 2020 appears to be the break out vintage with the wine critics scoring very highly. Jeb Dunnuck praises the 2020 L’Hêtre, scoring it an impressive 95 points and stating, “I was blown away by the quality of the 2020 L’Hêtre, and this estate, as well as the entire Castillon region, is one to watch going forward.” Lisa Perrotti-Brown echoes this sentiment with a 94-point rating, while Neal Martin, who tasted the wine blind, highlighted its “finely chiseled tannins and gentle grip. Tobacco and graphite-infused black fruit” culminating in a “beautifully proportioned and sophisticated finish.”
Crafted from a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, this right bank Bordeaux showcases the elegance of Merlot without the typical hefty price tag, offering incredible value at just €24.50 In Bond.
Be ahead of the curve, secure your case today.
L'Hetre 2020
95 Points | Jeb Dunnuck
I was blown away by the quality of the 2020 L'Hetre, and this estate, as well as the entire Castillon region, is one to watch going forward. Based on 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, brought up in 30% new French oak, it has a ruby/purple hue as well as a classic limestone-influenced bouquet of black raspberries, chalky minerality, white truffle, and tobacco. Perfectly balanced and incredibly elegant, with building yet fine tannins, drink this remarkable Castillon any time over the coming two decades.
94 Points | The Wine Independent, Lisa Perrotti-Brown
L’Hetre 2020 is a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, grown organically on 30 hectares in Castillon by Maxime Thienpont, the nephew of Jacques, with Axel Marchal as their consultant. The wine has been produced since 2016. The 2020 is deep garnet-purple in color and shoots from the glass with vibrant notes of wild blueberries, chocolate-covered cherries, and mulberries, leading to suggestions of star anise, black olives, and crushed rocks. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is completely coated with powerful black fruit and earthy flavors, framed by firm, grainy tannins and bright freshness, finishing long and minerally.
93 Points | Vinous, Neal Martin
The 2020 L'Hêtre has a more restrained and nuanced bouquet that unfolds in the glass, with more mineralité and terroir expression than the preceding d'Aiguilhe. The palate is medium-bodied with finely chiseled tannins and gentle grip. Tobacco and graphite-infused black fruit lead to a beautifully proportioned and sophisticated finish. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.