2021 Château L'If

The 2021 L’If is a wine of power and reserve. It exudes notable density and richness, but in the more restrained style of the year. Black cherry, graphite, spice, leather, tobacco and chocolate fill out the layers effortlessly. The 2021 is a gorgeous wine, but it won't be ready to appreciate fully for a number of years. Even so, it was exquisite in two separate tastings.

- Antonio Galloni (12/2023)

Cedar and green tobacco with berries, currants and lavender with some sandalwood. Medium-bodied with linear and firm tannins that give this energy and focus. Refined and polished texture. 79% merlot and 21% cabernet franc. Give this two or three years to soften. (02/2024)

Based on 79% Merlot and 21% Cabernet Franc raised in 50% new French oak, the 2021 L'If has a saturated ruby hue to go with beautiful aromatics of black raspberries, smoked earth, tobacco, and candied violets. This beauty is ripe, medium to full-bodied, has remarkable freshness and purity, and a great finish. Made by Cyrille Thienpont (Pavie Macquin, Larcis-Ducasse), this terrific Saint-Emilion will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age and drink brilliantly over the following 10-12+ years. (04/2024)

A blend of 79% Merlot and 21% Cabernet Franc, L’If 2021 is deep garnet-purple in color. It shoots from the glass with vibrant notes of fresh blueberries and redcurrants, leading to nuances of lilacs, licorice, and iron ore. The medium-bodied palate delivers exciting tension and wonderfully fine-grained tannins, with bright black and red berry flavors and a zippy finish. (04/2024)

Reveals a core of direct black cherry and plum fruit wrapped in a layer of singed cedar and vanilla, with a lively savory edge peeking in on the finish. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2027. 830 cases made.

- J.M.

A blend of 79% Merlot and 21% Cabernet Franc, the 2021 L'If shows considerable potential, and if it evolves as well as I suspect it will during élevage, it may make my score seem conservative. Offering up aromas of dark berries and plums mingled with loamy soil, black truffles and sweet forest floor, it's medium to full-bodied, layered and seamless, with velvety tannins and a bright spine of acidity, concluding with a long, saline finish.

- William Kelley (04/2022)