L'If 2021
• Domaine: L'IF
• Appellation: Saint-Emilion
• Classification: Grand Cru
• Origin: Right Bank, Bordeaux, France
L’If is owned by Jacques Thienpont, who is best known for his Pomerol estate, Le Pin. Before Jacques Thienpont purchased it in 2010, this property was called Château Le Haut-Plantey. As can be seen from Google Maps, some database has not caught up with the change of ownership and continue to call the parcel of land by its old name. The Thienpont family has a passion for naming their wine after trees. After naming Le Pin after a lone pine tree on the property and turning it into a legendary success, would you break the tradition? As a result, we now have pine (Le Pin), yew (L'If), and beech (L'Hêtre).
There are few families that are in the top echelon of every wine category they own. When it comes to Bordeaux's Right Bank, the Thienpont family is one to reckon with! Since their marriage in 1997, Jacques & Fiona (who earned her Master of Wine title in 1994) have been dividing their time among their three estates: Le Pin (Pomerol) , L'IF (St Emilion) and L'Hêtre (formerly named Château Goubau) (Castillon). The iconic Le Pin retails for thousands of dollars a bottle every vintage. Fortunately, the winemaker also brings to the market less pricey wines such as L'IF and L'Hêtre.
Tasting Notes
"Based on 79% Merlot and 21% Cabernet Franc raised in 50% new French oak, the 2021 L'If has a saturated ruby hue to go with beautiful aromatics of black raspberries, smoked earth, tobacco, and candied violets. This beauty is ripe, medium to full-bodied, has remarkable freshness and purity, and a great finish. Made by Cyrille Thienpont (Pavie Macquin, Larcis-Ducasse), this terrific Saint-Emilion will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age and drink brilliantly over the following 10-12+ years." - Jeb Dunnuck, Bordeaux 2021 From Bottle (4/3/2024) Ratings: 93 Drink: 2026-2040
"A blend of 79% Merlot and 21% Cabernet Franc, the 2021 L'If shows considerable potential, and if it evolves as well as I suspect it will during élevage, it may make my score seem conservative. Offering up aromas of dark berries and plums mingled with loamy soil, black truffles and sweet forest floor, it's medium to full-bodied, layered and seamless, with velvety tannins and a bright spine of acidity, concluding with a long, saline finish." - William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (4/29/2022) Ratings: (92-94)
''Cyrille Thienpont is in charge here, and he has teased out attractive blueberry fruits, along with graphite, pencil lead and gunsmoke. Chalky tannins reflect the clay-limestone soils, this is full of pleasure, even while austerity is gripping the finish. Highest percentage of Cabernet Franc to date, after including recent plantings. 50% new oak. Harvest October 2 to 16.'' Jane Anson, Best Pomerol 2020 Wines Tasted En Primeur (4/7/2022) Ratings: 90 Drink: 2026-2036
Stock Status | Pre-Arrival |
---|---|
Appellation | Saint-Emilion |
Vintage | 2021 |
Brand | L'If |
Shipping Weight | 3.000000 |