L'If 2016 is a Saint-Émilion from the Thienpont family of Le Pin, made entirely from Merlot in this vintage. It is a small-production, plush and polished wine from a very good Right Bank year.
About This Wine
The 2016 is 100% Merlot, unlike most vintages, which include Cabernet Franc. It was matured in about 50% new oak and only around 6,000 bottles were made, at 14.5% alcohol. 2016 was a dry, sunny summer after a wet spring, giving ripe fruit with fresh acidity across the Right Bank.
Tasting Profile
- Nose: Blackberry, black cherry, cassis and cherry liqueur, with cedar, mint and a hint of truffle and smoke
- Palate: Medium to full-bodied and silky, with generous dark fruit, chocolate notes and supple, fine tannins
- Finish: Creamy and persistent, closing savoury and slightly walnut-like
Serving & Food
Decant for an hour or two and serve at 16 to 18°C in a Bordeaux glass. Drinking well now and should hold to about 2040. Good with roast lamb shoulder, duck breast with cherries, or wild mushroom dishes.
How to Enjoy
Right Bank Merlot lovers and anyone following the Le Pin family's newer estates.
Product Details
Producer: Jacques Thienpont
Country: France
Region: Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France
Vintage: 2016
Grape Variety: 100% Merlot
ABV: 14.5%
Format: 750mL
About the Château
Jacques Thienpont, owner of Le Pin in Pomerol, bought this estate on the Saint-Émilion limestone plateau in 2010. It was formerly Château Haut-Plantey. He named it L'If, French for yew, in line with Le Pin (pine) and his later estate L'Hêtre (beech).
The estate now covers about eight hectares, part of it bordering Château Troplong Mondot, and is planted to roughly 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc on clay and limestone. Much has been replanted since the purchase. It is run by Cyrille Thienpont, son of Jacques's cousin Nicolas. The wine is deliberately left outside the Saint-Émilion classification.