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Tasting Notes
The truffle, dark chocolate, espresso, smoke, licorice and red berry nose will keep you busy, until you're ready for what comes next. On the palate, this is off the charts. Pure hedonism, the wine is bottled decadence. Opulent, sensuous, rich and sexy, if you like the sensation of velvet textured, perfectly ripe fruits which must last close to 60 seconds on the palate, this is the wine for you. Sadly, it is going to be impossible to find as only 400 cases were produced.
Critic Scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Tim Atkin MW
More reviews and scores
Aromas of blackberries, dried mushrooms and iodine. Sweet tobacco and cloves to boot. Full body and a creamy texture that the limestone imparts. Very persistent. Impressive drive and precision. Try in 2022.
The 2015 L'If is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc this year and it was matured in around 50% new oak. It has a very ravishing and opulent bouquet with macerated small red cherries, blueberry and a hint of powdered chocolate, probably from the new oak, and that seems to quickly dissipate. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp acidity, a pinch of white pepper, nicely structured and showing great style on the finish. "That's bloody good," commented Fiona Morrison behind me, and I would not disagree. In fact, over five to ten minutes, this Saint Emilion gained precision and harmony. This is a strong follow-up to the 2014, although let's wait until bottling to see if it is better.
This is very intense and mineral on the palate with so much salt and white pepper character. Full and powerful. A great and structured L’If. Mar 2016, www.JamesSuckling.com
About the producer
Known for his tiny, iconic Pomerol estate Le Pin, Jacques Thienpont purchased this estate in Saint-Emilion in 2010. Giving it the name L’If (the yew tree), the property – positioned close to Troplong Mondot – is rapidly becoming as sought-after as its sibling.