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Tasting Notes
L’If saw some frost damage this year, which slowed the vines’ growth, but the resulting wine is impressive. Inky purple, it’s overt and expressive – with pure, dark plummy fruit leaping out of the glass. The palate offers a tart mouthful of crunchy fruit, complemented by super fine tannins. Both elegant and concentrated.
Critic Scores
Average Score
William Kelley, Wine Advocate
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
Coming from the limestone plateau of Saint-Emilion, the 2022 Château L'If is based on 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc raised in 50% new oak. This is a mineral-bomb, delivering ample black raspberry fruit and floral nuances, full-bodied richness, a layered, ripe, textured mouthfeel, and outstanding length. Harvested from September 14-26, with an alcohol level of 14.3% and a pH of 3.52, it's an utterly classic Saint-Emilion that will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and have 20-25 years of overall longevity. This might be the finest vintage I've tasted.
Flowers, wild cherries, plums, spices,, and crushed rocks show in the nose. On the palate, the wine is lively, crisp and fresh, but there is also a depth of flavor. The berries are ripe, sweet, and energetic. But with the 2022, you can really feel the influence of the limestone. The wine is upbeat, and vibrant, with an elegant textures and a spicy tone to the finish. This remains one of the new stars of St. Emilion, and is a wine to follow before prices jump. The wine blends 80% Merlot with 20% Cabernet Franc, 14.3% ABV, pH 3.51. The harvest took place September 14 - September 26. Drink from 2027-2055
Aromas of raspberries, cherries, spices and bay leaf introduce the 2022 L'If, a medium to full-bodied, layered and fleshy wine that's taut and vibrant, built around lively acids and fine, chalky tannins. A blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, the decision to halve the volume of pump-overs have delivered a suave Saint-Émilion, even in this structured vintage.
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.