Category: | Red Wines |
Sub-Category: | Red Wines |
Producer: | L'If |
Label Name: | St Emilion |
Vintage: | 2012 |
Country: | France |
Region: | Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux |
Volume: | 750ml |
ABV: | 13.5% |
Grape(s): | Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon (minor) |
Acidity: | 3 |
Tannins: | 4 |
Sweetness: | 1 |
Body: | 5 |
Length: | 5 |
Aroma Intensity: | 4 |
Best Temperature: | 16-18°C |
Awards/Ratings
James Suckling 98; Jeb Dunnuck 96; Wine Spectator 96; The Wine Advocate ~91
Tasting Note
Dense black cherry and cassis with black licorice, graphite, tobacco and spice; polished, layered tannins and a long, mineral-driven finish.
Food Pairing
Roast lamb, braised short ribs, aged hard cheeses; Asian pairings: Peking duck, char siu, Korean BBQ beef, beef rendang.
Production Method
Temperature-controlled stainless-steel fermentation followed by 12–16 months in French oak barrels (roughly 50% new); careful sorting and small-batch élevage.
Vineyard Info
Château L'If was acquired by Jacques Thienpont in 2010; the small Saint-Émilion estate (≈7–8 ha) focuses on Merlot and Cabernet Franc with low yields and meticulous winemaking.