2020 Château le Thil

The 2020 Le Thil is a gorgeous, enticing Merlot-based Pessac-Léognan from team at Smith Haut-Lafitte. Wild cherry, tobacco, cedar, mint and white pepper lend notable freshness to this very attractive, mid-weight 2020. Bright acids and lifted floral accents perk up the finish. There is a bit of nervousness in the tannin, but there always is here.

- Antonio Galloni (12/2022)

Fine tannins with blackberries, currants and hints of hazelnut. It’s medium-bodied and linear with firmness and length. Needs three or four years to soften. Better after 2025. (05/2023)

The 2020 Château Le Thil is shockingly good and reminds me of a great Pomerol with its ripe black cherry and blueberry fruit as well as notes of violets, damp earth, and chocolate nuances. Medium to full-bodied and concentrated, with notable purity and freshness, this is a thrilling Pessac to enjoy over the coming 15 years or so. (03/2023)

Made from 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc, the 2020 Le Thil is medium to deep garnet-purple in color. It strolls out of the glass with bold notions of black cherries, black raspberries, and cloves plus wafts of cinnamon stick, pencil shavings, and fallen leaves. The medium-bodied palate is soft and juicy, with just enough freshness and a spicy finish. (03/2023)

Shows lightly roasted plum and cherry notes, but stays focused enough, with sanguine and iron accents piercing through on the open-knit finish. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2028. 1,200 cases made, 100 cases imported.

- J.M.

The 2020 le Thil exhibits aromas of sweet cherries, berries and plums mingled with hints of smoke and spices, followed by a medium to full-bodied, seamless and charming palate. It has turned out nicely.

- William Kelley (04/2023)