2023 L'If Pre-Arrival Offer
  • 94
  • 94
  • 96
  • 92
  • 93
  • Nick's Import

2023 L'If Pre-Arrival Offer

Saint Emilion, Bordeaux, FRANCE
$299. 00
Bottle
$3588.00 Dozen
Closure: Cork

Other Reviews....
The 2023 L'If, crafted by Cyrille Thiepont and originating from vines owned by Jacques Thienpont, unveils a dark bouquet of licorice, dark wild berries, pencil lead, coniferous forest, spices and oak. Medium to full-bodied, creamy and unctuous, it’s rich and concentrated with a fleshy core of fruit framed by powdery tannins, culminating in a long, mineral, chalky finish. This is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. Drink 2025-2045.
93-95 points
Yohan Castaing - Wine Advocate (Apr 27, 2024)

The 2023 L’If is unusually floral and refined for a wine that has, in the past, been darker and more ample in structure. Cedar, tobacco, crushed flowers and mint add lift and aromatic presence. Silky tannins create an impression of finesse. The 2023 represents the first year of vinification in the new cellar outfitted with cement vats. Overall, though, this wine feels like a new chapter for L'If. The vibrancy and energy here are palpable. Tasted two times. Drink 2030-2048.
94-96 points
Antonio Galloni - Vinous

What strikes you about this wine is the center-palate and the purity of cool fruit notes, such as brambleberry and orange peel. Medium body. Whole and layered with ultra-fine tannins leading to a silky texture and persistent finish.
96-97 points
James Suckling

Coming from vines near Troplong Mondot and based on 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, the 2023 L'If will spend 12-16 months in 50% new French oak, and it's the first vintage made in the new cellar. Ripe black cherry and juicy blackberry fruit as well as ample floral and chalky minerality all define the aromatics, and it hits the palate with medium-bodied richness, a lively, incredibly elegant mouthfeel, and outstanding length. It's another terrific wine from the talented Cyril Thienpont. The 2023 hit 14.1% alcohol with a pH of 3.37.
92-94 points
Jeb Dunnuck

Crafted from grapes picked between 18 September and 2 October (the date of Cabernet Franc pickings), this wine, currently ageing in 50% new oak, exhibits balance between acidity - a low pH of 3.37 - and alcohol. Winemaker Cyrille Thienpont walked me through the recently renovated cement vat cellar used for the first time this vintage, and the wine is precise, with bright red and dark fruits and fine tannin. I appreciate the juiciness that beckons drinking in a medium-bodied palate. The long finish echoes wet stone minerality with a touch of savoury dark chocolate. Drink 2027 - 2047.
94 points
Panos Kakaviatos - Decanter

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 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar Insider

Conditions of Pre Arrival Offer:
1. There is no minimum order unless stated.
2. All wines are 750ml unless indicated otherwise.
3. Payment is due at the time of ordering to secure stocks.
4. The wines are being collected and shipped in refrigerated containers and are due to arrive in late 2026.
5. Nicks Wine Merchants reserve the right to pass on any changes in Government duties and taxes and delivery charges from the date of order to the date of final delivery of the wine.
6. Errors and omissions excepted.
7. Delivery charges may apply - these can be determined by visiting the Freight Rates page.