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, a blend of 20% Cabernet Franc from fourth-leaf vines and 80% Merlot, was picked on 14 and 26 September at 35hL/ha. The limestone soils percolate through nicely on the nose with mineral-rich blackberry and bilberry fruit, quite estuarine (even if it doesn’t border the Gironde!) The palate is medium-bodied with crunchy black fruit and blueberry notes. It’s finely structured with a touch of licorice popping up on the finish, overtly spicy on the aftertaste. This is a very well-crafted Saint-Emilion from Jacques Thienpont and team – no wonder it is gaining a loyal following like Le Pin.
Anticipated maturity: 2030-2055
