Chateau L'If 2017

Type: Red Wine      Volume: 750ml

Winery: Chateau L'If

Country: France     Region: Bordeaux

District: St Emilion

Grapes Varieties: 9% Cabernet Franc,91% Merlot

Classification:      Production: 500 cases

Alcohol:      Packing: Original Wooden Case of 6 bottles

Ratings and Tasting Notes:

JS=97 This is really perfumed with tar, liquorice, blackberries and stone. Some gunmetal. This has ultra-fine tannins with a tightly wound mouth feel that gives a long, precise finish. The flavours are focused and wonderful. Drink after 2025.

AG=96 The 2017 L'If is fabulous. Rich and dense in the glass, the 2017 possesses off-the-charts intensity and vertical explosiveness. Black cherry, chocolate, liquorice, smoke and dried flowers infuse the 2017 with tremendous complexity as well as nuance. The tannins are pretty much buried by the sheer depth of the fruit, while bright floral and spice notes punctuate the super-expressive finish.

WS=93 Juicy and youthfully compact, with a core of plum, black currant and blackberry preserve flavours that will need to unwind. Shows lots of lively anise and bramble elements in the background, showing fresh acidity throughout. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2022 through 2030.

WA=90-92 Blended of 91% Merlot with 9% Cabernet Franc, the 2017 L'If is deep garnet-purple in colour, featuring beautiful crushed red cherries and black raspberries on the nose with underlying black plums, baking spices and roses notes plus a waft of Sichuan pepper. Medium-bodied with wonderfully elegant tannins and beautiful freshness, it has well-sustained mid-palate fruit and a long, earth-laced finish.