2016 L'If

96 POINTS

Antonio Galloni MW - Vinous

The 2016 L'If, 100% Merlot in this vintage, is going to need a number of years to be at its very best. The allure the 2016 showed as a young barrel sample has been replaced with huge structure and prominent yet well balanced tannins that both give the win strong-voiced personality. Readers should be prepared to be patient with the 2016, as it is going to need a number of years to be at its very best. Even so, the 2016 is super-impressive in the early going, not to mention a fabulous wine in the making. Cyrille Thienpont gave the 2016 14 months in French oak, 50% new. 96+

94 POINTS

Neal Martin - Vinous

The 2016 L’If offers blackberry, cedar and mint aromas on a nose that needs time to coalesce, but eventually reveals harmony and focus. The new oak is very well assimilated. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, and pliant in the mouth, delivering gentle grip toward the creamy-textured finish. This is an extremely impressive wine from l’équipe Le Pin. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.

94 POINTS

Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW - Wine Advocate

Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 L'If is a little shy to begin, opening out to show a beautiful red and black plums, kirsch and rose-laced personality, plus hints of tobacco and wild sage. Medium to full-bodied, the palate offers beautifully ripe, satiny tannins and wonderful freshness supporting the elegant, perfumed fruits through the long finish.

93 POINTS

James Molesworth - Wine Spectator

Very solidly built, with a beam of cassis and blackberry puree flavors driving through, carried by well-embedded racy acidity and laced with subtle anise and singed juniper accents. Drink now through 2033. 500 cases made.  –JM

Jancis Robinson MW

Tasted blind. Could do with more freshness. Rather hot. Without enough of a core of fruit. Drying tannins. Drink 2026-2040   16/20