| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Right Bank > St Emilion |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
This new property is owned by Jacques Thienpont (of Le Pin) and was formerly 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. 7,000 bottle production.
View all vintages of this wine | View all wines by Château l'If
The 2020 L'If is precocious on the nose, with macerated black cherries, crushed violet, and blueberry emerging with time, all very well-defined and focused. The oak is nicely integrated here. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, a little fleshier than its stablemate L'Hêtre. A pinch of white pepper towards the second half and an almost sedate, harmonious pastille-like finish. This should be afforded 4-5 years in bottle.
This is all in finesse and focus with a compact palate of ultra fine tannins that are like the finest silk. It’s full-bodied and grows on the palate with a crescendo of focused fruit and fine, chewy tannins. The tannins grow and persist.
Austere on the opening beats, then a ton of enjoyable berry fruits. As it settles in, it delivers fine tannins with intense and sappy hawthorn, crushed stone and tobacco leaf character backing them up. Great balance, some austerity, and a tiptoeing through the palate that speaks of its clay-limestone soils. Fiona and Jacques Thienpont are the owners here, with winemaking from their nephew Cyrille Thienpont. 50% new oak. A yield of 34hl/ha.
Drinking Window 2025 - 2042
84% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc. Cask sample.
Rich and ripe with damson and dark-fruit notes. Full and broad across the palate but backed and driven by very fine tannins. Texturally smooth, the chalky freshness and point of acidity on the finish pulling it all together. (JL) 14.6%
Drink 2026 – 2035
