Le Pin is one of the most expensive wines in the world. The original ‘garage’ wine, Jacques Thienpont bought the minute 1.6 hectare vineyard for one million francs in 1979. Since then he has gone on to buy tiny pieces of adjoining land, doubling the size of Le Pin which still only brings the total production to 600 - 700 cases a year. Together Jacques Thienpont and famous consultant Michel Rolland went on to create a cult wine, with seriously high prices further driven by limited production.

The south facing vineyard is on a well drained gravelly slope and was named after a solitary pine tree on the property.

“My winemaking is simple; I try to do as little as possible to the grapes in their transition from vineyard to bottle. My motto is: Simple mais Distingué or Simple but Distinguished. Le Pin has great class, one shouldn’t meddle with that.”Jacques Thienpont, Owner and Winemaker

“The obvious question is, is it worth the price? If you can afford it, YES. I can’t afford a 599 Ferrari, but I think it is worth the price. You get the idea. I always remain hopeful that I'll win the lottery, or that a long-lost cousin from Norfolk, England, will leave me the lost family fortune. More dreams …” James Suckling, The Wine Spectator

Bordeaux, in the southwest of France, needs little introduction as one of the world's most famous, prestigious and prolific wine regions. The majority of Bordeaux wines (nearly 90 percent of production volume) are the dry, medium- and full-bodied red Bordeaux Blends that established its reputation.

The finest (and most expensive) of these are the wines from the great châteaux of the Haut-Médoc and the Right Bank appellations Saint-Émilion and Pomerol. The former is focused (at the top level) on Cabernet Sauvignon, the latter pair on on Merlot.

The legendary reds are complemented by high-quality white wines based on Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc. These range from dry whites to challenge the best from the Burgundy region (Pessac-Léognan is particularly renowned) to the sweet, botrytized nectars of Sauternes.

Pomerol is a small wine appellation located in the Bordeaux region of France. It is known for producing some of the most sought-after wines in the world, particularly its red wines made from the Merlot grape.

The history of Pomerol dates back to the Roman era, when the area was known for its fertile soils and ideal climate for grape growing. However, it wasn't until the 19th century that Pomerol began to gain recognition for its wines. In 1855, Pomerol was not included in the famous Bordeaux Wine Official Classification, which was a list of the best wines in the region. This was largely due to the fact that Pomerol was a relatively unknown appellation at the time. However, this did not deter the winemakers of Pomerol, who continued to produce exceptional wines that would eventually gain worldwide recognition.

The style of production in Pomerol is unique compared to other wine regions in Bordeaux. The vineyards are relatively small, with many of them being family-owned and operated. The winemakers in Pomerol focus on producing high-quality wines that are reflective of the terroir, or the unique characteristics of the soil and climate in the region. The Merlot grape is the dominant variety grown in Pomerol, with smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon also being grown.

The typical wines from Pomerol are red wines that are rich, full-bodied, and complex. They are known for their deep, dark color and intense aromas of black fruit, such as blackberry and black cherry. On the palate, Pomerol wines are often described as having a velvety texture, with flavors of dark fruit, chocolate, and spice. The tannins in Pomerol wines are typically soft and well-integrated, making them approachable even when young.

Some of the most famous wines from Pomerol include Château Pétrus, Château Lafleur, and Château Le Pin. These wines are highly sought-after by collectors and wine enthusiasts around the world, and can command prices that are among the highest in the wine industry.

In conclusion, Pomerol is a unique and special wine appellation that produces some of the most exceptional wines in the world. Its history, style of production, and the grapes grown there all contribute to the distinctive character of Pomerol wines. If you are a fan of red wine, particularly Merlot, then Pomerol is definitely an appellation to explore.