Chateau L'if

The 2023 L’If is unusually floral and refined for a wine that has, in the past, been darker and more ample in structure. Cedar, tobacco, crushed flowers and mint add lift and aromatic presence. Silky tannins create an impression of finesse. The 2023 represents the first year of vinification in the new cellar outfitted with cement vats. Overall, though, this wine feels like a new chapter for L’If. The vibrancy and energy here are palpable.

Winery: Chateau L’if
Appellation: Bordeaux, St. Emilion
Average age of vines: N/A
Farming Methods: Sustainable
Maturation: 12 to 16 months, 50% in new barrels, 50% in one-wine barrels
Soil: Chalky limestone, clay soils
Varietal: Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Vineyard Orientation: Plateau and chalky-clay hillside on asteriated limestone subsoil. Clay slopes on Agenais molasse subsoil. Clay-limestone slopes on a subsoil of Fronsadais molasse.
Vineyard Size: 8 hectares

Wine	Scores	Downloads	Reviews
Chateau L'if 2023	94-96 Vinous The 2023 L’If is unusually floral and refined for a wine that has, in the past, been darker and more ample in structure. Cedar, tobacco, crushed flowers and mint add lift and aromatic presence. Silky tannins create an impression of finesse. The 2023 represents the first year of vinification in the new cellar outfitted with cement vats. Overall, though, this wine feels like a new chapter for L’If. The vibrancy and energy here are palpable. 93-95 Wine Advocate The 2023 L’If, crafted by Cyrille Thiepont and originating from vines owned by Jacques Thienpont, unveils a dark bouquet of licorice, dark wild berries, pencil lead, coniferous forest, spices and oak. Medium to full-bodied, creamy and unctuous, it’s rich and concentrated with a fleshy core of fruit framed by powdery tannins, culminating in a long, mineral, chalky finish. This is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. 96-97 James Suckling 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.	Bottle Image Label Image Shelf Talker Tech Sheet