| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Right Bank > St Emilion |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
This new property is owned by Jacques Thienpont (of Le Pin) that was known as Haut Plantey before he purchased it in 2010. It consists of 8 hectares of which 5 are situated next to Troplong Mondot. A total of 5.2 hectares are currently in production. Plantings are 91% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc. Winemaking by Nicolas Thienpont's son Cyrille. 7000 bottle production.
The 2019 L'If has turned out beautifully, bursting from the glass with aromas of sweet wild berries, plums and cherries mingled with notions of violets, raw cocoa, rose petals and spices. Medium to full-bodied, ample and concentrated, it's deep and enveloping, with lively acids and a long, perfumed finish. This gets my nod as the finest L'If to date. Drink Date 2021 - 2045
Blackberry and cherry aromas with some walnuts. Crushed stone, dried seaweed and forest fruit, too. It’s medium-bodied with firm, fine and chewy tannin and a salty finish. Some smokiness. Reserved and closed, yet structured. Try after 2026.
A blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, the 2019 L'If is deep garnet-purple in color. The nose is quite closed to begin, needing a lot of swirling to bring out notes of black cherry preserves, black raspberries, and licorice, with hints of roses and raspberries. The medium to full-bodied palate has a rock-solid structure of grainy tannins and bold freshness supporting the muscular fruit, finishing long and perfumed.
Tasted blind. Deep, glowing crimson. Lots of richness of fruit plus marked acid and tannin that are not yet integrated. Youthful but ambitious. Sandpaper tannins on the end. 14.5%
Drink 2027– 2044
The 2019 Château L'If is brilliant stuff that has everything you could want from a great wine – richness, opulence, elegance, and complexity. Based largely on Merlot, it reveals a dense purple hue as well a great bouquet of ripe black cherries, redcurrants, smoky tobacco, and chalky minerality. Full-bodied, pure, elegant, and wonderfully concentrated, it has enough tannins to warrant 4-5 years in the cellar and will be a 25+-year wine.
A juicy, savory red with red fruit, tobacco, chocolate, hazelnuts and sweet earth. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm yet polished tannins and a flavorful finish. Silky and refined. Complex finish, showing mushrooms, leaves and forest fruit.
We were unable to taste the 2019 before release this year.
