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Tasting notes
Tasted blind at the Southwold Bordeaux tasting. The 2012 Château L'If from Jacques Thienpont and Fiona Morrison has a broody, introspective bouquet that needs encouragement from the glass. Although it is tightly coiled, it feels well defined and the oak is nicely embedded into the fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy dark plum and blackberry fruit laced with graphite and tobacco. Masculine compared to its peers, this is another wine that will require long-term ageing. There is a lot to admire considering that the couple had only recently taken over the running of the property. Tasted January 2016.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin, Wine Advocate
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
Mind-bending aromas of red licorice, spices, bark and dark fruits. Yet reserved and balanced. The palate is phenomenal with compact fruit and polished tannins. It goes on for minutes. 62% merlot and 28% cabernet franc. This is the second vintage of Jacques Thienpont in St. Emilion with 7 hectares near Troplong Mondot. It’s stunning. The onwer of Le Pin.
Deep ruby in color, the wine is tightly wound at the moment requiring air and coaxing to reveal its complex nose of fresh herbs, flowers, thyme, truffles and dark red berries. On the palate, the wine is elegant, silky and refined, with a purity of fruit in the sexy, black, red and white cherry finish. There is good length in the end note. The style of the wine produced here is focused on elegance over power. While they took over the estate in 2010, this is only the second, official vintage for Jacques Thienpont, but the first year where they started to become satisfied with the results.
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.