The 2016 Chateau l`If, Jacques Thienpont`s sister property to Le Pin, is pure Merlot picked on 19 and 20 October at 40 hectoliters per hectare and matured in 50% new oak, the remainder one year old. It delivers 14.5% alcohol with a pH of 3.38. It has a rich and opulent bouquet with crème de cassis and blueberry fruit, a little racy at first, but it seems to calm down in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with a silky texture and very well judged acidity. There is a little more body compared to the 2015 l`If, a bit more density with layers of black cherry and blueberry towards the long, very fresh finish. The 2015 l`If was great, but the 2016 could be even better. 93-95 points

This has a deft ripple of acidity which keeps you on your toes all the way through this wine. From the Le Pin stable, it is just as seductive as you would imagine, with soft, ripe damson fruits and barely-there tannins that caress the palate. They have 5ha located by Troplong Mondot, 2ha by La Segue, and a f urther 1ha right on the limestone plateau. 100% Merlot, they finished picking this wine on 20th October as the soils are so late ripening. Aged in 50% new oak. 94 points

The 2016 L`If is a total knock-out. Dark and intense, yet also translucent, L`If captures the interplay of richness and freshness that makes 2016 such a compelling vintage. A rush of dark red and purplish-hued fruits, leather, licorice, cherry jam, lavender and rose petal give the wine notable complexity to match its layered, exquisitely beautiful personality. In 2016, L`If is 100% Merlot, as some of the Cabernet Franc holdings are redeveloped while others did not produce a crop of high enough quality to be used in the wine. Tasted two times. 93-96 points