L'If St Emilion 2012

Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
L'If
Label Name:
 
St Emilion
Vintage:
 
2012
Country:
 
France
Region:
 
Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
13.5%
Grape(s):
 
Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon (minor)
Acidity:
 
3
Tannins:
 
4
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
5
Length:
 
5
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
16-18°C

Awards/Ratings
James Suckling 98; Jeb Dunnuck 96; Wine Spectator 96; The Wine Advocate ~91

Tasting Note
Dense black cherry and cassis with black licorice, graphite, tobacco and spice; polished, layered tannins and a long, mineral-driven finish.

Food Pairing
Roast lamb, braised short ribs, aged hard cheeses; Asian pairings: Peking duck, char siu, Korean BBQ beef, beef rendang.

Production Method
Temperature-controlled stainless-steel fermentation followed by 12–16 months in French oak barrels (roughly 50% new); careful sorting and small-batch élevage.

Vineyard Info
Château L'If was acquired by Jacques Thienpont in 2010; the small Saint-Émilion estate (≈7–8 ha) focuses on Merlot and Cabernet Franc with low yields and meticulous winemaking.