Château l’IF 2015

Description

Neal Martin 92-94 points www.robertparker.com
The 2015 L’If is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc this year and it was matured in around 50% new oak. It has a very ravishing and opulent bouquet with macerated small red cherries, blueberry and a hint of powdered chocolate, probably from the new oak, and that seems to quickly dissipate. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp acidity, a pinch of white pepper, nicely structured and showing great style on the finish. “That’s bloody good,” commented Fiona Morrison behind me, and I would not disagree. In fact, over five to ten minutes, this Saint Emilion gained precision and harmony. This is a strong follow-up to the 2014, although let’s wait until bottling to see if it is better.
Antonio Galloni 91-94 points www.vinous.com
The 2015 L’If is a striking, super-finessed Saint-Émilion, largely because of the 30% Cabernet Franc in the blend that gives the wine its striking aromatic lift. Silky tannins wrap around a core of raspberry jam, dark cherry, spice and menthol in a mid-weight, finessed Saint-Émilion built on understatement and a real sense of feminine grace. The 2015 is still not fully formed, but it is impressive just the same. New oak is 50%.