Château L’If 2011

This is the first vintage of Jacques Thienpont’s new wine, over the border in St-Émilion. Eight hectares of 30-year-old vines, harvested three weeks later than at Le Pin. 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc. Spicy, ripe and plummy on the nose. Something a little bready? Overall fragrant and lively. Dry, firm but seemingly gentle tannins. When to drink: 2017-2025. Score – 17 (out of 20). (Julia Harding, MW, jancisrobinson.com, April 24, 2012)