The first release of the second wine of the Thienpont's (Le Pin, L'If) new estate, bought in 2016. 95% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc. Certified organic wine. This second wine is made from fruit from the younger vines and the lower slopes. See L'Hêtre 2016 for more background on the estate. Deep crimson, still with a touch of purple. A light and attractive dusty note overlaying restrained and pure black fruit. Blind I would have thought this had less Merlot and more of the either Cabernet. There's a hint of wood spice and cigar box but it is mostly the fine dark fruit that entices. Dry, finely chewy tannins, very direct in its dark fruit, with a hint of pencil and just a little bit of heat on the finish even though the body is moderate, not at all heavy. And manages to be fresh even with the slight heat of the alcohol. (JH)