L'If, St Emilion, 2018

Name: L'If, St Emilion
Brand: L'If
Price: 539.12 GBP

Available Vintages

all 2011 2013 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024

justerini & brooks tasting note

Alas, L'If is a tiny production, just 7000 bottles of the wonderful 2018 are in the cellar. 50% of the vineyard has been replanted, much of which is not yet used in the blend. Jacques explained that a soft hand was required. Skins were naturally very thick so he did no pigeage. 74% Merlot and 26% Cabernet Franc, aged in 50% new oak, the L'If 2018 is the most accomplished effort we have tasted to date. There is a noticeable shift both here and at Le Pin towards a more serious, structured style. The exuberance and outrageously aromatic style of old has been parked, the 2017s and 2018s are more classical and arguably better placed for aging. The fruit is detailed and fine with super intensity and energy. Seductive raspberries and loganberries wash over the palate in waves of gloriously velvety fruit. We were impressed by the deftness of tannins - they have been beautifully handled and frame the fruit perfectly. A very impressive L'If.

critic reviews

93/100Lisa Perrotti-Brown,The Wine Independent

L’If 2018 is deep garnet purple in color. It starts off a little oaky, melding into scents of warm plums, black cherry compote, and licorice, with touches of dried mint and iron ore. Full-bodied, firm and with lovely tension, it has loads of mineral sparks on the finish.

DRINKING WINDOW 2023 - 2038

date of review 02/2023

92/100Neal Martin,Vinous

The 2018 L’If, which sees 50% new oak and 50% one-year-old wood, has a disarmingly lovely bouquet that veers more toward red fruit than black, offering raspberry and wild strawberry, <em>hoisin</em> and light marmalade aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins and quite saline on the entry, with good tension from beginning to end. Harmonious and almost understated toward the finish, it leaves light white pepper and sage notes on the aftertaste. This is an excellent L’If that should give 12–15 years of drinking pleasure.

DRINKING WINDOW 2023 - 2035

date of review 03/2021

93-95/100Lisa Perrotti-Brown,Robert Parker Wine Advocate

The 2018 L'If is blended of 74% Merlot and 26% Cabernet Franc, to be aged 12-16 months in barriques, 50% new. The wine has a pH of 3.55 and 14.5% alcohol. Deep purple-black in color, it gives up a beautiful perfume of baked raspberries, mulberries and Black Forest cake with hints of fragrant soil, rose hip tea and dusty soil. Full-bodied, rich and jam-packed with generous red and black fruits framed by velvety tannins, it has wonderful savory chocolate and licorice accents and a long, spicy finish.

date of review 04/2019