L'If - Saint-Emilion 2016

Vinous

94

byNeal Martinthe8/13/2020

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 Southwold tasting.

Jancis Robinson

16

byJancis Robinsonthe2/5/2020

Wine Spectator

93

byJames Molesworththe2/5/2019

Very solidly built, with a beam of cassis and blackberry puree flavors driving through, carried by well-embedded racy acidity and laced with subtle anise and singed juniper accents. Drink now through 2033. 500 cases made.  –JM

Vinous

94

byNeal Martinthe1/24/2019

The 2016 L’If eschews the Cabernet Franc vines, since they did not perform as well as expected, according to co-proprietor Fiona Morrison. This is matured in 50% new and 50% one-year-old oak for 12 to 16 months. It has a lovely blackberry, wild hedgerow and crushed stone aroma that is very focused and quite delineated. The palate is medium-bodied with edgy tannin and fairly citric in style. Not deep, but fresh and well-balanced, leading to a structured saline finish. Quite a cerebral L’If that deserves a couple of years in bottle.

Vinous

96

byAntonio Gallonithe1/21/2019

The 2016 L'If, 100% Merlot in this vintage, is going to need a number of years to be at its very best. The allure the 2016 showed as a young barrel sample has been replaced with huge structure and prominent yet well balanced tannins that both give the win strong-voiced personality. Readers should be prepared to be patient with the 2016, as it is going to need a number of years to be at its very best. Even so, the 2016 is super-impressive in the early going, not to mention a fabulous wine in the making. Cyrille Thienpont gave the 2016 14 months in French oak, 50% new. 96+

Wine Advocate

94

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe11/30/2018

Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 L'If is a little shy to begin, opening out to show a beautiful red and black plums, kirsch and rose-laced personality, plus hints of tobacco and wild sage. Medium to full-bodied, the palate offers beautifully ripe, satiny tannins and wonderful freshness supporting the elegant, perfumed fruits through the long finish.