2012 L’If, Saint-Emilion 1x75cl

Robert Parker 91

Tasted blind at the Southwold Bordeaux tasting. The 2012 Chateau L’If from Jacques Thienpont and Fiona Morrison has a broody, introspective bouquet that needs encouragement from the glass. Although it is tightly coiled, it feels well defined and the oak is nicely embedded into the fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy dark plum and blackberry fruit laced with graphite and tobacco. Masculine compared to its peers, this is another wine that will require long-term ageing. There is a lot to admire considering that the couple had only recently taken over the running of the property. Tasted January 2016. [Neal Martin, 28/09/2017]

Anticipated maturity: 2019-2038