Chateau L'If 2016

Neal Martin: The 2016 Chateau l'If, Jacques Thienpont's sister property to Le Pin, is pure Merlot picked on 19 and 20 October at 40 hectoliters per hectare and matured in 50% new oak, the remainder one year old. It delivers 14.5% alcohol with a pH of 3.38. It has a rich and opulent bouquet with crème de cassis and blueberry fruit, a little racy at first, but it seems to calm down in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with a silky texture and very well judged acidity. There is a little more body compared to the 2015 l'If, a bit more density with layers of black cherry and blueberry towards the long, very fresh finish. The 2015 l'If was great, but the 2016 could be even better.

Wine Spectator: Gives a warm, inviting blast of pure, juicy cherry and plum sauce flavors, with a lightly toasted frame. Pretty anise and black tea notes in the background and a fresh mineral streak on the finish. Grows steadily in the glass too. Sneaky good.