L'If, St Emilion,

The 2019 L'If is a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc coming from the new mass selection, planted in 2015 on a separate plot. Deep garnet-purple, it needs a fair bit of vigorous swirling to coax out notes of crushed black cherries, fresh blackberries, and juicy plums, leading to scents of licorice, dark chocolate, clove oil, and cumin seed with a hint of crushed rocks. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is tightly wound with bright, energetic black fruit layers supported by super-ripe, grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing long with loads of earthy sparks.

The 2019 L'If has an almost Left Bank nose with copious graphite scents percolating through the black fruit, very focused and energetic. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit, finely tuned, ripe and sensual with ample freshness on the cedar and mineral infused finish. Wonderful. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting.