L'if 2016 750mL

L'if 2016 750mL is a Right Bank Saint-Émilion wine from a small estate founded on a piece of Thienpont family history, bottled at 750ml and offered as a fine-wine purchase for collectors or for service at the table.

From the Producer

L'if was created in 2010 when Jacques Thienpont, owner of Pomerol's Le Pin, bought a roughly five-hectare vineyard on the backroads of Saint-Émilion, formerly Château Haut-Plantey. The estate is now run by his cousin's son, Cyrille Thienpont, and is planted to roughly 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc on chalky limestone and clay soils. The 2016 vintage was an unusual year for L'if: esca, a grapevine trunk disease, struck the old Cabernet Franc vines, so the estate made the difficult call to bottle the 2016 as 100% Merlot rather than blend in compromised fruit. L'if is unclassified by choice — the Thienponts have said they don't think the wine needs a classification on the label. Source: The Wine Independent, "The Story of L'If" (10 Aug 2022); The Wine Cellar Insider producer profile.

Tasting Profile

Red wines from this producer line typically combine dark-fruit and savoury notes with structured tannins and a sustained finish. Aging potential depends on the specific vintage and producer style.

Best For

Best for fine-wine collectors, restaurant cellars, and gifting on commemorative occasions. Pairs naturally with red-meat dishes, aged cheeses or contemplative cellaring.

Product Details