This is really perfumed with tar, licorice, blackberries and stone. Some gunmetal. This has ultra fine tannins with a tightly wound mouth feel that gives a long, precise finish. The flavors are focused and wonderful.

The 2017 L'If is beautifully precise and lifted, with terrific energy and tension, much of it from the 9% Cabernet Franc that informs the blend this year. The bright, red-toned fruit, tobacco and floral notes are finely sculpted in this super-polished Saint-Émilion. The 2017 is a bit restrained relative to prior vintages, but that seems to suit the wine just fine. This is a stellar showing from Jacques and Cyrille Thienpont. Tasted two times. - vinous.com, May 2018

Blended of 91% Merlot with 9% Cabernet Franc, the 2017 L'If is deep garnet-purple in color, featuring beautiful crushed red cherries and black raspberries on the nose with underlying black plums, baking spices and roses notes plus a waft of Sichuan pepper. Medium-bodied with wonderfully elegant tannins and beautiful freshness, it has well-sustained mid-palate fruit and a long, earth-laced finish. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, erobertparker.com, April 2018

The 2017 L’If is the sibling property to Le Pin since it is owned by Jacques Thienpont and Fiona Morrison. The wine has a voluminous dark cherry and cranberry scented bouquet with light iodine touches. The palate is medium-bodied with fleshy ripe red fruit, fine-boned tannins with moderate acidity. A gentle and caressing L’If that will drink earlier than the previous vintage and doubtless the following. www.vinous.com

Deepest crimson with purple rim. Lifted, lively peppery pure fruit. A little more extraction than for Le Pin and planning to pick a little earlier. No stems. So rich in fruit and lovely freshness even with compact tannins. Exuberant fruit and super-smooth texture. Long, too. - Julia Harding, jancisrobinson.com, April 2018