Chateau L'If 2018 (750ML)

93-95 Points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker's 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." 04/19

92 Points, Neal 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, hoisin 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." 03/21

97 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: "The 2018 L'If is super-impressive, even if it comes across as a bit restrained today. Ultimately, that energy will serve it well. Dark and sensual, with striking aromatic presence and fabulous balance, the 2018 dazzles from start to finish. Dark cherry, plum, spice, new leather, menthol and mocha all build in the glass. The 2018 is bold, sumptuous and full of energy. I can't wait to see how it ages. What a wine." 03/21

99 Points, James Suckling, jamessuckling.com: "Aromas of black cherries, blueberries, licorice, dried lavender, nutmeg and grated milk chocolate. Pure raspberries, walnut husks and crushed peppercorns as well. It’s full-bodied with firm, racy tannins that go on for minutes. So sleek and polished with a long finish. Really amazing and perhaps the best wine ever from here. Same ownership as the legendary Le Pin from Pomerol. Slightly more cabernet franc (30% instead of 20%) in the blend may have made the difference. The rest is merlot. Clearly the best wine ever from here, since the official first vintage 2011. Try from 2026." 02/21

93-96 Points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator: "A streamlined style, with alluring cassis, raspberry and plum sauce flavors, carried by a velvety structure. Accessible in feel, but the fruit is enticing and the length is notable, suggesting this will fill out even more." 04/19

92 Points, Jane Anson, Decanter: "There's more Cabernet Franc in the blend this year as more plots have reached maturity - 50% of the 8.2ha vineyard has been replanted since the Thieponts arrived eight years ago. There is clear grip and freshness through the palate, with lovely energy. It feels like it's starting to settle into its own personality. Harvested 1 to 8 October. 50% new oak." 04/19