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L'If 2012

RegionBordeaux
Subregion France > Bordeaux > Right Bank > St Emilion
ColourRed
TypeStill
Grape VarietyMerlot/Cabernet Franc

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Label

Tasting Notes

Mind-bending aromas of red licorice, spices, bark and dark fruits. Yet reserved and balanced. The palate is phenomenal with compact fruit and polished tannins. It goes on for minutes. 62% merlot and 28% cabernet franc. This is the second vintage of Jacques Thienpont in St. Emilion with 7 hectares near Troplong Mondot. It's stunning. The onwer of Le Pin.

98
James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, February 2015

Tasted blind at the Southwold Bordeaux tasting. The 2012 Château L'If from Jacques Thienpont and Fiona Morrison has a broody, introspective bouquet that needs encouragement from the glass. Although it is tightly coiled, it feels well defined and the oak is nicely embedded into the fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy dark plum and blackberry fruit laced with graphite and tobacco. Masculine compared to its peers, this is another wine that will require long-term ageing. There is a lot to admire considering that the couple had only recently taken over the running of the property. Tasted January 2016.

91
Neal Martin, RobertParker.com (227), October 2016

Lots of cassis fruit but quite upright; dark, juicy fruit, showing a touch of Cabernet Franc's graphite character, attractive savoury finish. Compact but velvety texture, fresh too. (JH)

16.5
Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com, April 2013

Deep ruby colour. Black cherry and blackcurrant on the nose, very pure, with a hint of something floral and sweet spice. The palate is cool, pure and focused. The black fruit core is given structure by ripe tannins, and given complexity from a little toasty oak. This is a serious wine which has a long and complex finish. You could just about drink it now but it is bound to improve with age.

96
Farr Vintners, Farr Tasting, June 2015

The L'If is a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc from Jacques Thienpont, who bought the estate in 2010. Matured in 30% new oak (decreased from the first vintage under Jacques) it has a lovely candied ripe, racy bouquet with bright red and black fruit intermingled, fine minerality showing through with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with a tensile entry, crisp acidity, good structure and a savoury notes just towards the finish. This has great potential. Tasted April 2013.

91/93
Neal Martin, RobertParker.com, May 2013
Please note that these tasting notes/scores are not intended to be exhaustive and in some cases they may not be the most recently published figures. However, we always do our best to add latest scores and reviews when these come to our attention. We advise customers who wish to purchase wines based simply on critical reviews to carry out further research into the latest reports.