2016 L`If (St-Emilion)

The 2016 L’If offers blackberry, cedar and mint aromas on a nose that needs time to coalesce, but eventually reveals harmony and focus. The new oak is very well assimilated. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, and pliant in the mouth, delivering gentle grip toward the creamy-textured finish. This is an extremely impressive wine from l’equipe Le Pin. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting. 94 points 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