2023 L'if St. Émilion Bordeaux France Wine Tasting Note
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2023
L'if (St. Émilion)
Quite floral in its nature, the wine is spicy, fresh, floral, and exuberant in the nose. On the palate, it is easy to see all the lift, and energy in the wine. The red berries have a vibrancy that gives energy, and length, paired with purity, and a refreshing, spicy endnote. This remains one of the new stars of St. Emilion and is a wine to follow before prices jump. The wine blends 80% Merlot with 20% Cabernet Franc, 14.1% ABV, pH 3.37. The harvest took place September 18-October 2. Drink from 2028-2050 95-97 Pts. 2,404 Views Tasted May 4, 2024 |
When to Drink L'if, Anticipated Maturity, Decanting Time
L'if is much better with at least 10-15 years of aging in good vintages. Young vintages can be decanted for 1-2 hours or more. This allows the wine to soften and open its perfume.
Older vintages might need very little decanting, just enough to remove the sediment. L'if offers its best drinking and should reach peak maturity between 10-30 years of age after the vintage.
Serving L'if with Wine, Food, Pairing Tips
L'if is best served at 15.5 degrees Celsius, 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The cool, almost cellar temperature gives the wine more freshness and lift. L'if is best paired with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised, and grilled dishes.
L'if is also good when matched with Asian dishes, and hearty fish courses like tuna, mushrooms, and pasta.
While 2010 was released with the new name coming from Jacques Thienpont, 2011 marked the debut vintage of Chateau L’if that was produced under the complete control of the Thienpont family.
Interestingly, at least in America, 2010 bottled using the spelling of the phonetic pronunciation of the wine, Chateau Leaf. The 2012 L'if was the debut vintage offered for sale as a future. The first few vintages did not include any Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend.
L'if is a stylish, sensuous, elegant new Saint Emilion wine that is well worth keeping your eye on. to It is hard to find, but it is truly worth the effort to try scoring a few bottles. Knowing the team and the vineyard, this is going to be a very in-demand wine.