L'If 2019

L’If is owned by Jacques Thienpont, who is best known for his Pomerol estate, Le Pin. Before Jacques Thienpont purchased it in 2010, this property was called Château Le Haut-Plantey. As can be seen from Google Maps, some database has not caught up with the change of ownership and continue to call the parcel of land by its old name.  The Thienpont family has a passion for naming their wine after trees. After naming Le Pin after a long pine tree on the property and turning it into a legendary success, would you break the tradition? As a result, we now have pine (Le Pin), yew (L'If), and beech (L'Hêtre).

There are few families that are in the top echelon of every wine category they own.  When it comes to Bordeaux's Right Bank, the Thienpont family is one to reckon with!  Since their marriage in 1997, Jacques & Fiona (MW in 1994) have been dividing their time among their three estates: Château Le Pin (Pomerol) , Château l'IF (St Emilion) and L'Hêtre (formerly named Château Goubau) (Castillon).  The iconic Le Pin retails for thousands of dollars a bottle every vintage.  Fortunately, the winemakers offer the market less pricey wines such as L'IF and L'Hêtre.

"Lifted but restrained with an appetising fruity nuance. Integrated oak just perceptible. Texture smooth and silky, the tannins long and finely honed. Overriding freshness, even zesty on the finish. (JL)" - James Lawther, Jancisrobinson.com, Rating: 17, Drink: 2025-2035