2019 Château l'If Saint-Émilion

Chateau L'If is a relatively young but highly regarded winery in Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux. It is owned by Jacques Thienpont, who also owns the legendary Château Le Pin in Pomerol. The estate is named after the yew tree ("If" in French) that stands on the property. Despite its short history, L'If has quickly gained recognition for producing high quality wines that reflect the region's unique terroir.

The core of L’If, covering around five hectares, is situated around the château itself, just below Troplong-Mondot, supplemented by two hectares near Lassegue and a further hectare in the cooler Saint-Étienne-de-Lisse. Of these eight hectares of vines, four have been replanted in the past decade, with superior vine genetics and at higher densities. Today, soil studies guide a precise blending, focusing on the best clay soils, and L’If is really developing a strong identity.

The 2019 vintage of L'If is considered exceptional, thanks to a growing season that combined optimum ripeness with freshness and balance. The wine is carefully vinified in a combination of stainless steel and oak, followed by maturation in French oak barrels (some of which are new) to enhance structure and complexity.

Tasting notes :

Colour: Deep, vibrant ruby red.
Aroma: The nose is expressive and complex, with aromas of ripe red and black fruits such as cherries, plums and blackberries. There are also layers of floral notes, such as violets, alongside hints of liquorice, graphite and subtle oak.
Palate: On the palate, the 2019 L'If is full and opulent, yet refined and elegant. The wine displays a wonderful balance between fruit concentration, acidity and tannins. The tannins are fine-grained and well-integrated, creating a supple texture. The wine is rich and layered, with flavours of dark fruit, spice and a hint of minerality. The finish is long and lingering, with a savoury, almost salty quality that adds to the complexity.
Blend: The wine is typically a blend dominated by Merlot, with a smaller proportion of Cabernet Franc, which adds structure and aromatic complexity.