Area under vines: 6 hectares
Soils: clay and limestone
Average age of the vines: 25 years
Production: 1650 cases a year
Ageing: in 100% new oak for 9 months
Grape varieties:
Learn more about Chateau Thieuley here
The 2022 L’If, bottled last June, has a delectable, finely tuned nose with a touch of blackberry, light estuarine scents (as observed in barrel) and a pastille-like purity that is very endearing and nuanced. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, wonderful sapidity and just the right amount of weight. The 20% Cabernet Franc lends a slight pepperiness with gentle grip and a long tail. Fresh from start to finish, this is a Saint-Emilion to savor for the next 15 to 20 years. This is superb.
Anticipated maturity: 2030-2055
The Thienponts of Le Pin s newish acquisition next to Troplong Mondot on clay limestone. After careful soil mapping, half of the estate was replanted with, for example, Cabernet Franc on the limestone. Since 2021 all of the estate is now producing. So there is currently a high proportion of young vines, but apparently they withstood 2022 drought well. What didn t go into the grand vin goes into Collines de l If. Cyril Thienpont, son of Nicolas, is in charge. 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc. 50% new barrels.Fragrant and sappy. Fresh and lively. Rich and racy. Clean and lightly sandy tannins on the end. Not the longest but very nice and surely the best vintage yet of this wine. Lots of lifted, limestone minerality. (JR)
Anticipated maturity: 2027-2037
