L'If
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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£495.14 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (97+)
The 2019 L'If is the sort of wine I would like to spend hours with. There is just too much to it. At times the 2019 is opulent and quite racy, and yet in other moments its the underlying minerality and tension in the wine that are most evident. Black cherry, herb, incense, licorice and mocha gradually open over time. The 25% Cabernet Franc comes through nicely, both in the wine's aromatic profile and overall structure. L'If is a wine to buy and cellar for a decade or more. I loved it.Inc. VAT£1,215.64 -
The Wine Cellar Insider (97-99)
Richly-textured, sensuous and silky, the wine opens with flowers, licorice, plums, spice box, roasted nuts and black, red and blue fruits. Opulent, fresh, long and velvety, the wine is refined, complex and concentrated. The fruit coats your palate, yet retains its freshness, lift, elegance and purity. The over 50 second finish leaves you with layers of vibrant, black and red fruits, savory herbs, minerality and spicy cocoa. This remains one of the new stars of St. Emilion and is a wine to follow before prices jump. The wine blends 84% Merlot with 16% Cabernet Franc, 14.8% ABV, pH 3.52.Inc. VAT£522.62 -
James Suckling (95-96)
A serious and saline red with blue fruit, cloves, iodine and black licorice. Oyster shells, too. Medium to full bodied with fine, firm tannins that run the length of the wine. Focused. 79% merlot and 21% cabernet franc.Inc. VAT£439.34 -
(3x75cl) 2023
James Suckling (96-97)
What strikes you about this wine is the center-palate and the purity of cool fruit notes, such as brambleberry and orange peel. Medium body. Whole and layered with ultra-fine tannins leading to a silky texture and persistent finish.Expected Price Range£319 - £379
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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£403.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (97+)
The 2019 L'If is the sort of wine I would like to spend hours with. There is just too much to it. At times the 2019 is opulent and quite racy, and yet in other moments its the underlying minerality and tension in the wine that are most evident. Black cherry, herb, incense, licorice and mocha gradually open over time. The 25% Cabernet Franc comes through nicely, both in the wine's aromatic profile and overall structure. L'If is a wine to buy and cellar for a decade or more. I loved it.In Bond£997.00 -
The Wine Cellar Insider (97-99)
Richly-textured, sensuous and silky, the wine opens with flowers, licorice, plums, spice box, roasted nuts and black, red and blue fruits. Opulent, fresh, long and velvety, the wine is refined, complex and concentrated. The fruit coats your palate, yet retains its freshness, lift, elegance and purity. The over 50 second finish leaves you with layers of vibrant, black and red fruits, savory herbs, minerality and spicy cocoa. This remains one of the new stars of St. Emilion and is a wine to follow before prices jump. The wine blends 84% Merlot with 16% Cabernet Franc, 14.8% ABV, pH 3.52.In Bond£427.50 -
James Suckling (95-96)
A serious and saline red with blue fruit, cloves, iodine and black licorice. Oyster shells, too. Medium to full bodied with fine, firm tannins that run the length of the wine. Focused. 79% merlot and 21% cabernet franc.In Bond£356.50 -
(3x75cl) 2023
James Suckling (96-97)
What strikes you about this wine is the center-palate and the purity of cool fruit notes, such as brambleberry and orange peel. Medium body. Whole and layered with ultra-fine tannins leading to a silky texture and persistent finish.Expected Price Range£319 - £379