74% Merlot/26% Cabernet Franc. Harvest dates Merlot 1-5 October, Cabernet Franc 8 October. 12 -16 months elevage in 50% new and 50% second use barrique. Beautifully textured, sweet and silky. Powerful and lengthy, yet also lifted, fresh. A well-woven-in new wood note among the cassis and elderberry fruit. The finish is so fine it slips down very easily. The kind of wine that makes you forget to spit at a trade tasting. (NT 18/04/19)
- Producer
- L`If
- Origin
- St-Emilion, Right bank, Bordeaux FRANCE
- Colour
- red
- Wine Style
- dry
- Dominant Grape
- Merlot
- Closure Style
- cork
- Maturity
- drink or keep
- Bottle Size
- 75cl
- Case Quantity
- 6
- Alcohol
- 14.5%
- Wine Score
- 92 points, Neal Martin, vinous.com, January 2021
97 points, Antonio Galloni, vinous.com, March 2021
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Media Reviews
Neal Martin
The 2018 L’If, which sees 50% new oak and 50% one-year-old wood, has a disarmingly lovely bouquet that veers more toward red fruit than black, offering raspberry and wild strawberry, hoisin and light marmalade aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins and quite saline on the entry, with good tension from beginning to end. Harmonious and almost understated toward the finish, it leaves light white pepper and sage notes on the aftertaste. This is an excellent L’If that should give 12–15 years of drinking pleasure. 92 points
Antonio Galloni
The 2018 L`If is super-impressive, even if it comes across as a bit restrained today. Ultimately, that energy will serve it well. Dark and sensual, with striking aromatic presence and fabulous balance, the 2018 dazzles from start to finish. Dark cherry, plum, spice, new leather, menthol and mocha all build in the glass. The 2018 is bold, sumptuous and full of energy. I can`t wait to see how it ages. What a wine. 97 points
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