In Bond Fine Wine. 2016 Château l'If, Saint Emilion, Bordeaux, France. Red Bordeaux in 6x75cl. Top critic score: 96/100 (AG). Drinking window: 2023–2030. Sold in bond by Albany Vintners, independent fine wine merchants.
Neal Martin (NM) — 93–95/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 28/04/2017 · Drink 2022-2045
The 2016 Chateau l'If, Jacques Thienpont's sister property to Le Pin, is pure Merlot picked on 19 and 20 October at 40 hectoliters per hectare and matured in 50% new oak, the remainder one year old. It delivers 14.5% alcohol with a pH of 3.38. It has a rich and opulent bouquet with creme de cassis and blueberry fruit, a little racy at first, but it seems to calm down in the glass. The palate is m…
Antonio Galloni (AG) — 93–96/100 · Vinous, 25/04/2017
The 2016 L'If is a total knock-out. Dark and intense, yet also translucent, L'If captures the interplay of richness and freshness that makes 2016 such a compelling vintage. A rush of dark red and purplish-hued fruits, leather, licorice, cherry jam, lavender and rose petal give the wine notable complexity to match its layered, exquisitely beautiful personality. In 2016, L'If is 100% Merlot, as som…
Neal Martin (NM) — 94/100 · Vinous, 2020-08-01 · Drink 2022-2042
The 2016 L’If offers blackberry, cedar and mint aromas on a nose that needs time to coalesce, but eventually reveals harmony and focus. The new oak is very well assimilated. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, and pliant in the mouth, delivering gentle grip toward the creamy-textured finish. This is an extremely impressive wine from l’équipe Le Pin. Tasted blind at the annual Southwo…