France
The vast and diverse wine regions of France, each with its own unique terroirs, grape varieties, and winemaking techniques, are a treasure trove.
In Bordeaux, the birthplace of some of the world's most iconic wines, esteemed vineyards such as Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Margaux, Château Latour, and Château Haut-Brion produce exceptional red wines, showcasing the art of blending Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. The region is also renowned for its exquisite white wines, with vineyards like Château d'Yquem and Domaine de Chevalier producing legendary sweet wines.
Moving to Burgundy, the vineyards of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Domaine Leroy, and Domaine Armand Rousseau capture the essence of the region's revered terroir, crafting exquisite red wines from the Pinot Noir grape. Meanwhile, Domaine Leflaive and Domaine Coche-Dury are celebrated for their world-class white wines, predominantly made from Chardonnay.
The Champagne region, known for its sparkling wines, boasts illustrious houses such as Krug, Dom Pérignon, and Moët & Chandon, as well as grower-producers like Pierre Péters and Jacques Selosse. These vineyards create exceptional sparkling wines using the traditional method, offering a symphony of delicate bubbles, elegant flavors, and vibrant acidity.
In the Rhône Valley, iconic vineyards like Chapoutier, E. Guigal, and Château de Beaucastel produce remarkable red wines in the northern appellations of Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, and Cornas, showcasing the elegance and power of Syrah. Further south, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is celebrated for its rich and full-bodied red blends, with Château Rayas and Clos des Papes leading the way.
In Alsace, vineyards such as Domaine Zind-Humbrecht and omaine Trimbach craft exquisite white wines, including Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris, expressing the region's unique terroir and varietal character.
These are just a few highlights among the diverse array of wines that France offers. From the Loire Valley's crisp whites and elegant reds to the Languedoc-Roussillon's bold and robust wines, each region presents its own vinous treasures.
France
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(1x37.5cl) 2005Wine Advocate (96)
Tasted blind at the 10-Year On Tasting in Sauternes. The 2005 L’Extravagant de Doisy Daëne has 3.9grams of acidity, 192 grams per liter of residual sugar and 12.3% alcohol. The 2005 has a powerful bouquet with honey, mandarin, a touch of petrol and yellow flowers on the nose, later developing that seductive marzipan scent that draws you in like a tractor beam. The palate is unctuous in the mouth that is probably going to be sugar-coated for the next year or two, but there are some gorgeous peach and citrus notes that flourish on the finish. It is more a force of nature than a wine!Inc. VAT£138.53 -
(1x150cl) 2006Vinous - Neal Martin (95)
The 2006 L’Extravagant de Doisy-Daëne has a slightly muffled nose when compared to the 2007, beeswax and honeysuckle, orange blossom and saffron scents. The palate is beautifully balanced with fine acidity, exceptionally pure with a tensile and delineated finish that lingers longer in the mouth, a touch of egg whites on the aftertaste. Gorgeous.Inc. VAT£482.92 -
(6x75cl) 2006Vinous - Neal Martin (95)
The 2006 L’Extravagant de Doisy-Daëne has a slightly muffled nose when compared to the 2007, beeswax and honeysuckle, orange blossom and saffron scents. The palate is beautifully balanced with fine acidity, exceptionally pure with a tensile and delineated finish that lingers longer in the mouth, a touch of egg whites on the aftertaste. Gorgeous.Inc. VAT£1,417.55 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (98)
The 2007 L’Extravagant de Doisy-Daëne has a ripe and generous bouquet with orange pith, apricot, crème brûlée and quince, unfurling beautifully in the glass. The palate is supremely well balanced with fine definition, wonderful acidity and a composed, almost Tokaji-like finish that lingers with enticing marmalade and quince notes. So precise. So delicious.Inc. VAT£1,342.24 -
Wine Advocate (98)
Pale to medium gold colored, the 2009 L'Extravagant drifts sensuously from the glass with evolving notions of burnt sugar, apple pie, crème caramel and praline plus hints of honey-coated walnuts and powdered ginger. Very sweet, rich, full-on unctuous and densely laden in the mouth, the palate possesses almost electric freshness supporting layer after layer of dried fruit and nut notions, finishing very long. It won’t cellar for as long as some of the 2009s, but this sure is delicious right now.Inc. VAT£1,887.64 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96)
One of the undisputed stars of the vintage, the 2014 Doisy-Daëne L'Extravagant is a real stunner. Plush and beautifully textured, with lovely brightness and impeccable overall balance, the 2014 simply has it all. Lemon confit, baked apple tart, brioche and coconut are all pushed forward in this sensual, exquisite Sauternes. The 2014 is deep, but also quite silky and never a wine of excess. All the elements are simply in the right place.Inc. VAT£156.41 -
Wine Advocate (97-99)
Pale to medium gold in color, the 2019 L'Extravagant is a powerhouse from start to finish. The nose is such a complex cocktail, it nearly blows you over with scents of pineapple upside-down cake, preserved mandarin peel, candied ginger and mango pudding plus nuances of acacia honey, beeswax, baker's yeast, wild fungi and burnt sugar. The palate is full-on pedal to the metal unctuousness with the rich sweetness beautifully offset by refreshing acidity and layer upon layer of savory, tropical fruit and earthy flavors, finishing with a long-lingering zesty lift. Strap yourselves in for this thrill ride and do not even attempt to drink anything else after this!Inc. VAT£1,040.95 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (97)
The 2020 Doisy-Daëne L'Extravagant is gracious and light on its feet. Scents of tangerine peel, mint, lemon confit, marzipan, jasmine and passionfruit are all beautifully lifted. Weightless and elegant, L'Extravagant is wonderfully subdued in 2020.Inc. VAT£785.17 -
Inc. VAT£362.98 -
(6x75cl) 2019Inc. VAT£135.20 -
(6x75cl) 2020Inc. VAT£130.40 -
Inc. VAT£147.20 -
(6x75cl) 2016Vinous - Neal Martin (87)
The 2016 L’Hêtre is the debut 12-hectare Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux from Fiona Morrison and Jacques Thienpont of Le Pin, continuing the titular tree theme (the name means “beech tree”). The vineyard was certified organic when the Thienponts acquired it. It has a delightful, well-defined red cherry and raspberry bouquet. The palate is medium-bodied with dusky red fruit and quite sharp in terms of acidity, although that translates as freshness on the chewy finish. The saline aftertaste is welcome, although there is also a nagging bitterness. A good debut, but I’m sure there is better to come.Inc. VAT£227.21 -
(6x75cl) 2018As a premium offering from Bordeaux, L'Hetre 2018 is the epitome of elegant complexity. This sumptuous selection, masterfully crafted by Matthieu Cosse and Catherine Maisons of Château L'Hêtre, is an exquisite testament to the emblematic richness of the AOC Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux. Expect an initiation into the labyrinth of sensory experience, with each sip unravelling notes of ripe cherries, cassis, and refined spices on a velvet texture. The grapes are cultivated biodynamically, handpicked, and matured in French oak barrels to achieve an unparalleled depth of flavour. The exceptional terroir, a blend of clay-limestone and clay-siliceous soils, endows L'Hetre 2018 with a unique minerality and draws you into an intense dance between vibrant acidity and fine-grained tannins. Add this symphony of depth and structure from one of the premier artisan vintners to your collection, and savour the delicate balance of power and grace that defines L'Hetre 2018.
Inc. VAT£171.20 -
(1x600cl) 2019Discover the sheer opulence of L'Hetre 2019, a quintessential pinnacle bottling from the revered Podio Alto vineyard in the Castillon, Côtes de Bordeaux region. Thoughtfully crafted by the Thienpont family, these dedicated artisans bring generations of winemaking expertise, famed for their distinguished work at Château Le Pin and Vieux Château Certan. L'Hetre 2019 is noted for its elegant blend of 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc, aged impeccably in French oak barrels. The result is an exquisitely balanced wine that dances upon the palate with notes of ripe wild berries, laced with subtle undertones of liquorice and cacao. It boasts soft tannins and resonates with a full-bodied aftertaste. L'Hetre 2019 offers an intoxicating bouquet suggesting a rich maturity while still exuding freshness. This universally acclaimed selection perfectly epitomises the idyllic synthesis of tradition, terroir and modern innovation.
Inc. VAT£282.86 -
Discover the sheer opulence of L'Hetre 2019, a quintessential pinnacle bottling from the revered Podio Alto vineyard in the Castillon, Côtes de Bordeaux region. Thoughtfully crafted by the Thienpont family, these dedicated artisans bring generations of winemaking expertise, famed for their distinguished work at Château Le Pin and Vieux Château Certan. L'Hetre 2019 is noted for its elegant blend of 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc, aged impeccably in French oak barrels. The result is an exquisitely balanced wine that dances upon the palate with notes of ripe wild berries, laced with subtle undertones of liquorice and cacao. It boasts soft tannins and resonates with a full-bodied aftertaste. L'Hetre 2019 offers an intoxicating bouquet suggesting a rich maturity while still exuding freshness. This universally acclaimed selection perfectly epitomises the idyllic synthesis of tradition, terroir and modern innovation.
Inc. VAT£213.95 -
Jeb Dunnuck (95)
I was blown away by the quality of the 2020 L'Hetre, and this estate, as well as the entire Castillon region, is one to watch going forward. Based on 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, brought up in 30% new French oak, it has a ruby/purple hue as well as a classic limestone-influenced bouquet of black raspberries, chalky minerality, white truffle, and tobacco. Perfectly balanced and incredibly elegant, with building yet fine tannins, drink this remarkable Castillon any time over the coming two decades.Inc. VAT£192.58 -
(12x75cl) 2009Inc. VAT£1,046.35 -
(12x75cl) 2011Inc. VAT£566.47 -
Experience a masterpiece in viniculture with L'If 2011. Produced in the St. Emilion region of Bordeaux by Thienpont family, the name is a tribute to the single Yew tree that graces the vineyard. This realm is renowned for its velvety Merlot-dominated wines, and L'If 2011, a peak example, superbly embodies the terroir's essence. Championed by Jacques Thienpont, the famed producer of Le Pin, this ethereal blend of 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc is a solemn representation of elegance and intensity.
The L'If 2011 involves meticulous selection of grapes, astute fermentation in oak barrels, followed by 18-20 months ageing in French oak, contributing to its rich, full-bodied character. Notes of black berries, plums, and earth elegantly laced with undertones of cocoa and spice unfold luxuriously with every sip. Indulge in the harmonious sophistication of this limited production delight. Allow the sublime narrative of L'If 2011 to elevate your fine wine collection.
Inc. VAT£384.35 -
Wine Spectator (92)
Delivers a gorgeous array of violet, plum sauce, melted black licorice and steeped blackberry fruit, lined with subtle ganache and fruitcake notes. Long and fleshy through the finish, with a lovely graphite accent carrying all the components. Very pure, with a lovely mouthfeel. Best from 2016 through 2024. 833 cases made. -JMInc. VAT£1,012.55 -
Exquisitely crafted, the L'If 2013 stands as a testament to exemplary wine-making in the historical region of Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux. The renowned Thienpont family, owners of the preeminent Le Pin and Vieux Château Certan vineyards, produced this magnificent libation. Combining traditional methods with modern techniques, they cultivated Merlot grapes in the region's chalky, iron-rich soil. The result is a bold, complexly flavoured wine.
The L'If 2013 boasts an impressive nose filled with notes of blackberries, truffle, and a hint of toasted bread. On the palate, it is dense, well-structured, and offers a lengthy, satisfying finish. With an ageing potential of more than 20 years, one can expect the L'If 2013 to evolve magnificently, reaching new levels of finesse and sophistication.
As an exemplar of Bordeaux's finest, the L'If 2013 is not just a wine – it is a journey through a distinguished vineyard's quest for perfection.
Inc. VAT£344.38 -
(3x150cl) 2014
James Suckling (94-95)
A full-bodied wine but showing so much in finesse and beauty. It slowly builds on the palate to give an crescendo of subtle fruit and fine tannins. Subtle undertones of oyster shell and iodine. Unique. This only has 9% cabernet franc. Rest is merlot.Inc. VAT£716.35 -
James Suckling (94-95)
A full-bodied wine but showing so much in finesse and beauty. It slowly builds on the palate to give an crescendo of subtle fruit and fine tannins. Subtle undertones of oyster shell and iodine. Unique. This only has 9% cabernet franc. Rest is merlot.Inc. VAT£416.75 -
James Suckling (97-98)
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.Inc. VAT£666.83 -
James Suckling (97-98)
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.Inc. VAT£821.98 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96+)
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 wine its 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.Inc. VAT£1,144.78 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96)
The 2017 L'If is fabulous. Rich and dense in the glass, the 2017 possesses off-the-charts intensity and vertical explosiveness. Black cherry, chocolate, licorice, smoke and dried flowers infuse the 2017 with tremendous complexity as well as nuance. The tannins are pretty much buried by the sheer depth of the fruit, while bright floral and spice notes punctuate the super-expressive finish.Inc. VAT£549.58 -
James Suckling (99)
Aromas of black cherries, blueberries, licorice, dried lavender, nutmeg and grated milk chocolate. Pure raspberries, walnut husks and crushed peppercorns as well. It’s full-bodied with firm, racy tannins that go on for minutes. So sleek and polished with a long finish. Really amazing and perhaps the best wine ever from here. Same ownership as the legendary Le Pin from Pomerol. Slightly more cabernet franc (30% instead of 20%) in the blend may have made the difference. The rest is merlot. Clearly the best wine ever from here, since the official first vintage 2011. Try from 2026.Inc. VAT£361.99 -
James Suckling (99)
Aromas of black cherries, blueberries, licorice, dried lavender, nutmeg and grated milk chocolate. Pure raspberries, walnut husks and crushed peppercorns as well. It’s full-bodied with firm, racy tannins that go on for minutes. So sleek and polished with a long finish. Really amazing and perhaps the best wine ever from here. Same ownership as the legendary Le Pin from Pomerol. Slightly more cabernet franc (30% instead of 20%) in the blend may have made the difference. The rest is merlot. Clearly the best wine ever from here, since the official first vintage 2011. Try from 2026.Inc. VAT£651.58
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(1x37.5cl) 2005
Wine Advocate (96)
Tasted blind at the 10-Year On Tasting in Sauternes. The 2005 L’Extravagant de Doisy Daëne has 3.9grams of acidity, 192 grams per liter of residual sugar and 12.3% alcohol. The 2005 has a powerful bouquet with honey, mandarin, a touch of petrol and yellow flowers on the nose, later developing that seductive marzipan scent that draws you in like a tractor beam. The palate is unctuous in the mouth that is probably going to be sugar-coated for the next year or two, but there are some gorgeous peach and citrus notes that flourish on the finish. It is more a force of nature than a wine!In Bond£114.00 -
(1x150cl) 2006
Vinous - Neal Martin (95)
The 2006 L’Extravagant de Doisy-Daëne has a slightly muffled nose when compared to the 2007, beeswax and honeysuckle, orange blossom and saffron scents. The palate is beautifully balanced with fine acidity, exceptionally pure with a tensile and delineated finish that lingers longer in the mouth, a touch of egg whites on the aftertaste. Gorgeous.In Bond£396.00 -
(6x75cl) 2006
Vinous - Neal Martin (95)
The 2006 L’Extravagant de Doisy-Daëne has a slightly muffled nose when compared to the 2007, beeswax and honeysuckle, orange blossom and saffron scents. The palate is beautifully balanced with fine acidity, exceptionally pure with a tensile and delineated finish that lingers longer in the mouth, a touch of egg whites on the aftertaste. Gorgeous.In Bond£1,162.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (98)
The 2007 L’Extravagant de Doisy-Daëne has a ripe and generous bouquet with orange pith, apricot, crème brûlée and quince, unfurling beautifully in the glass. The palate is supremely well balanced with fine definition, wonderful acidity and a composed, almost Tokaji-like finish that lingers with enticing marmalade and quince notes. So precise. So delicious.In Bond£1,102.00 -
Wine Advocate (98)
Pale to medium gold colored, the 2009 L'Extravagant drifts sensuously from the glass with evolving notions of burnt sugar, apple pie, crème caramel and praline plus hints of honey-coated walnuts and powdered ginger. Very sweet, rich, full-on unctuous and densely laden in the mouth, the palate possesses almost electric freshness supporting layer after layer of dried fruit and nut notions, finishing very long. It won’t cellar for as long as some of the 2009s, but this sure is delicious right now.In Bond£1,557.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96)
One of the undisputed stars of the vintage, the 2014 Doisy-Daëne L'Extravagant is a real stunner. Plush and beautifully textured, with lovely brightness and impeccable overall balance, the 2014 simply has it all. Lemon confit, baked apple tart, brioche and coconut are all pushed forward in this sensual, exquisite Sauternes. The 2014 is deep, but also quite silky and never a wine of excess. All the elements are simply in the right place.In Bond£129.00 -
Wine Advocate (97-99)
Pale to medium gold in color, the 2019 L'Extravagant is a powerhouse from start to finish. The nose is such a complex cocktail, it nearly blows you over with scents of pineapple upside-down cake, preserved mandarin peel, candied ginger and mango pudding plus nuances of acacia honey, beeswax, baker's yeast, wild fungi and burnt sugar. The palate is full-on pedal to the metal unctuousness with the rich sweetness beautifully offset by refreshing acidity and layer upon layer of savory, tropical fruit and earthy flavors, finishing with a long-lingering zesty lift. Strap yourselves in for this thrill ride and do not even attempt to drink anything else after this!In Bond£858.50 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (97)
The 2020 Doisy-Daëne L'Extravagant is gracious and light on its feet. Scents of tangerine peel, mint, lemon confit, marzipan, jasmine and passionfruit are all beautifully lifted. Weightless and elegant, L'Extravagant is wonderfully subdued in 2020.In Bond£650.00 -
In Bond£264.00
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(6x75cl) 2019In Bond£92.00
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(6x75cl) 2020In Bond£88.00
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In Bond£102.00
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(6x75cl) 2016
Vinous - Neal Martin (87)
The 2016 L’Hêtre is the debut 12-hectare Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux from Fiona Morrison and Jacques Thienpont of Le Pin, continuing the titular tree theme (the name means “beech tree”). The vineyard was certified organic when the Thienponts acquired it. It has a delightful, well-defined red cherry and raspberry bouquet. The palate is medium-bodied with dusky red fruit and quite sharp in terms of acidity, although that translates as freshness on the chewy finish. The saline aftertaste is welcome, although there is also a nagging bitterness. A good debut, but I’m sure there is better to come.In Bond£170.10 -
(6x75cl) 2018
As a premium offering from Bordeaux, L'Hetre 2018 is the epitome of elegant complexity. This sumptuous selection, masterfully crafted by Matthieu Cosse and Catherine Maisons of Château L'Hêtre, is an exquisite testament to the emblematic richness of the AOC Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux. Expect an initiation into the labyrinth of sensory experience, with each sip unravelling notes of ripe cherries, cassis, and refined spices on a velvet texture. The grapes are cultivated biodynamically, handpicked, and matured in French oak barrels to achieve an unparalleled depth of flavour. The exceptional terroir, a blend of clay-limestone and clay-siliceous soils, endows L'Hetre 2018 with a unique minerality and draws you into an intense dance between vibrant acidity and fine-grained tannins. Add this symphony of depth and structure from one of the premier artisan vintners to your collection, and savour the delicate balance of power and grace that defines L'Hetre 2018.
In Bond£122.00 -
(1x600cl) 2019
Discover the sheer opulence of L'Hetre 2019, a quintessential pinnacle bottling from the revered Podio Alto vineyard in the Castillon, Côtes de Bordeaux region. Thoughtfully crafted by the Thienpont family, these dedicated artisans bring generations of winemaking expertise, famed for their distinguished work at Château Le Pin and Vieux Château Certan. L'Hetre 2019 is noted for its elegant blend of 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc, aged impeccably in French oak barrels. The result is an exquisitely balanced wine that dances upon the palate with notes of ripe wild berries, laced with subtle undertones of liquorice and cacao. It boasts soft tannins and resonates with a full-bodied aftertaste. L'Hetre 2019 offers an intoxicating bouquet suggesting a rich maturity while still exuding freshness. This universally acclaimed selection perfectly epitomises the idyllic synthesis of tradition, terroir and modern innovation.
In Bond£210.00 -
Discover the sheer opulence of L'Hetre 2019, a quintessential pinnacle bottling from the revered Podio Alto vineyard in the Castillon, Côtes de Bordeaux region. Thoughtfully crafted by the Thienpont family, these dedicated artisans bring generations of winemaking expertise, famed for their distinguished work at Château Le Pin and Vieux Château Certan. L'Hetre 2019 is noted for its elegant blend of 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc, aged impeccably in French oak barrels. The result is an exquisitely balanced wine that dances upon the palate with notes of ripe wild berries, laced with subtle undertones of liquorice and cacao. It boasts soft tannins and resonates with a full-bodied aftertaste. L'Hetre 2019 offers an intoxicating bouquet suggesting a rich maturity while still exuding freshness. This universally acclaimed selection perfectly epitomises the idyllic synthesis of tradition, terroir and modern innovation.
In Bond£159.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (95)
I was blown away by the quality of the 2020 L'Hetre, and this estate, as well as the entire Castillon region, is one to watch going forward. Based on 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, brought up in 30% new French oak, it has a ruby/purple hue as well as a classic limestone-influenced bouquet of black raspberries, chalky minerality, white truffle, and tobacco. Perfectly balanced and incredibly elegant, with building yet fine tannins, drink this remarkable Castillon any time over the coming two decades.In Bond£140.50 -
(12x75cl) 2009In Bond£832.00
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(12x75cl) 2011In Bond£440.00
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Experience a masterpiece in viniculture with L'If 2011. Produced in the St. Emilion region of Bordeaux by Thienpont family, the name is a tribute to the single Yew tree that graces the vineyard. This realm is renowned for its velvety Merlot-dominated wines, and L'If 2011, a peak example, superbly embodies the terroir's essence. Championed by Jacques Thienpont, the famed producer of Le Pin, this ethereal blend of 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc is a solemn representation of elegance and intensity.
The L'If 2011 involves meticulous selection of grapes, astute fermentation in oak barrels, followed by 18-20 months ageing in French oak, contributing to its rich, full-bodied character. Notes of black berries, plums, and earth elegantly laced with undertones of cocoa and spice unfold luxuriously with every sip. Indulge in the harmonious sophistication of this limited production delight. Allow the sublime narrative of L'If 2011 to elevate your fine wine collection.
In Bond£301.00 -
Wine Spectator (92)
Delivers a gorgeous array of violet, plum sauce, melted black licorice and steeped blackberry fruit, lined with subtle ganache and fruitcake notes. Long and fleshy through the finish, with a lovely graphite accent carrying all the components. Very pure, with a lovely mouthfeel. Best from 2016 through 2024. 833 cases made. -JMIn Bond£824.50 -
Exquisitely crafted, the L'If 2013 stands as a testament to exemplary wine-making in the historical region of Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux. The renowned Thienpont family, owners of the preeminent Le Pin and Vieux Château Certan vineyards, produced this magnificent libation. Combining traditional methods with modern techniques, they cultivated Merlot grapes in the region's chalky, iron-rich soil. The result is a bold, complexly flavoured wine.
The L'If 2013 boasts an impressive nose filled with notes of blackberries, truffle, and a hint of toasted bread. On the palate, it is dense, well-structured, and offers a lengthy, satisfying finish. With an ageing potential of more than 20 years, one can expect the L'If 2013 to evolve magnificently, reaching new levels of finesse and sophistication.
As an exemplar of Bordeaux's finest, the L'If 2013 is not just a wine – it is a journey through a distinguished vineyard's quest for perfection.
In Bond£267.00 -
(3x150cl) 2014
James Suckling (94-95)
A full-bodied wine but showing so much in finesse and beauty. It slowly builds on the palate to give an crescendo of subtle fruit and fine tannins. Subtle undertones of oyster shell and iodine. Unique. This only has 9% cabernet franc. Rest is merlot.In Bond£578.35 -
James Suckling (94-95)
A full-bodied wine but showing so much in finesse and beauty. It slowly builds on the palate to give an crescendo of subtle fruit and fine tannins. Subtle undertones of oyster shell and iodine. Unique. This only has 9% cabernet franc. Rest is merlot.In Bond£328.00 -
James Suckling (97-98)
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.In Bond£545.00 -
James Suckling (97-98)
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.In Bond£665.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96+)
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 wine its 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.In Bond£934.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96)
The 2017 L'If is fabulous. Rich and dense in the glass, the 2017 possesses off-the-charts intensity and vertical explosiveness. Black cherry, chocolate, licorice, smoke and dried flowers infuse the 2017 with tremendous complexity as well as nuance. The tannins are pretty much buried by the sheer depth of the fruit, while bright floral and spice notes punctuate the super-expressive finish.In Bond£438.00 -
James Suckling (99)
Aromas of black cherries, blueberries, licorice, dried lavender, nutmeg and grated milk chocolate. Pure raspberries, walnut husks and crushed peppercorns as well. It’s full-bodied with firm, racy tannins that go on for minutes. So sleek and polished with a long finish. Really amazing and perhaps the best wine ever from here. Same ownership as the legendary Le Pin from Pomerol. Slightly more cabernet franc (30% instead of 20%) in the blend may have made the difference. The rest is merlot. Clearly the best wine ever from here, since the official first vintage 2011. Try from 2026.In Bond£295.00 -
James Suckling (99)
Aromas of black cherries, blueberries, licorice, dried lavender, nutmeg and grated milk chocolate. Pure raspberries, walnut husks and crushed peppercorns as well. It’s full-bodied with firm, racy tannins that go on for minutes. So sleek and polished with a long finish. Really amazing and perhaps the best wine ever from here. Same ownership as the legendary Le Pin from Pomerol. Slightly more cabernet franc (30% instead of 20%) in the blend may have made the difference. The rest is merlot. Clearly the best wine ever from here, since the official first vintage 2011. Try from 2026.In Bond£523.00
