2021 L'If

Based on 79% Merlot and 21% Cabernet Franc raised in 50% new French oak, the 2021 L'If has a saturated ruby hue to go with beautiful aromatics of black raspberries, smoked earth, tobacco, and candied violets. This beauty is ripe, medium to full-bodied, has remarkable freshness and purity, and a great finish. Made by Cyrille Thienpont (Pavie Macquin, Larcis-Ducasse), this terrific Saint-Emilion will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age and drink brilliantly over the following 10-12+ years.

The 2021 L'If was a winner out of barrel. In bottle? It blossoms in the glass with pure black cherry, iodine, wilted violet and oyster shell scents, gaining momentum in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins. There is a fluidity in the L'If that I really like—very harmonious and poised, gradually building with gentle grip toward the finish and residual black pepper on the aftertaste. Excellent.

The 2021 L’If is a wine of power and reserve. It exudes notable density and richness, but in the more restrained style of the year. Black cherry, graphite, spice, leather, tobacco and chocolate fill out the layers effortlessly. The 2021 is a gorgeous wine, but it won't be ready to appreciate fully for a number of years. Even so, it was exquisite in two separate tastings.