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-Emilion, even in this structured vintage. 93-95 points

Deep plum colour with violet reflections, and this is full of limestone intensity and grip, with fragrant floral aromatics. Bitter edge of black chocolate, fennel and aniseed, cassis fruits, real purity of character. Cyril Thienpont winemaker. Owned by the Thienponts since 2010. Harvest September 14 to 26. 50% new oak. 35hl/h yield. 3.52ph. New barrel cellar from 2023 vintage, 4,000l Stockinger barrels. 93 points

The 2022 L’If is a powerhouse. An exotic melange of blackberry jam, bittersweet chocolate, licorice, cloves and menthol saturates the palate, all backed up by huge, imposing tannins. This brooding, virile Saint-Emilion packs a huge punch. It will be interesting to see if this softens with elevage. The blend is 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. 93-95 points

The 2022 L`If, a blend of 20% Cabernet Franc from fourth-leaf vines and 80% Merlot, was picked on 14 and 26 September at 35hL/ha. The limestone soils percolate through nicely on the nose with mineral-rich blackberry and bilberry fruit, quite estuarine (even if it doesn`t border the Gironde!) The palate is medium-bodied with crunchy black fruit and blueberry notes. It`s finely structured with a touch of licorice popping up on the finish, overtly spicy on the aftertaste. This is a very well-crafted Saint-Emilion from Jacques Thienpont and team - no wonder it is gaining a loyal following like Le Pin. 93-95 points