98-
99
JAMES SUCKLING: "Gorgeous and very fine tannins with a fine velvet texture and wonderful berry, chocolate and hazelnut character. Medium-bodied with round and balanced tannins with serenity and a crunchy finish. 80% merlot and 20% cabernet franc."
96-
98
THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Flowers, wild cherries, plums, spices,, and crushed rocks show in the nose. On the palate, the wine is lively, crisp and fresh, but there is also a depth of flavor. The berries are ripe, sweet, and energetic. But with the 2022, you can really feel the influence of the limestone. The wine is upbeat, and vibrant, with an elegant textures and a spicy tone to the finish. This remains one of the new stars of St. Emilion, and is a wine to follow before prices jump. The wine blends 80% Merlot with 20% Cabernet Franc, 14.3% ABV, pH 3.51. The harvest took place September 14 - September 26. Drink from 2027-2055"
18,5
WEINWISSER: "80 % Merlot, 20 % Cabernet Franc, 14.3 Vol.-%, pH 3.52, 35 hl/ha. Betörendes Bouquet, Wildkirsche, betörender Irisduft, Brasiltabak, dunkles Graphit und Holundersaft. Am energiegeladenen, durchtrainierten Gaumen mit seidiger Textur, tänzerischer Rasse und engmaschigem Tanningerüst. Im konzentrierten, langanhaltenden Finale mit schwarzbeerigen Konturen, tiefschürfender Terroirwürze und erhabener feinmehliger Adstringenz. Stößt ein neues Zeitalter auf - ganz großes St.-Émilion-Kino dieses Jahr! 2029 – 2050."
94-
96
JEB DUNNUCK: "Coming from the limestone plateau of Saint-Emilion, the 2022 Château L'If is based on 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc raised in 50% new oak. This is a mineral-bomb, delivering ample black raspberry fruit and floral nuances, full-bodied richness, a layered, ripe, textured mouthfeel, and outstanding length. Harvested from September 14-26, with an alcohol level of 14.3% and a pH of 3.52, it's an utterly classic Saint-Emilion that will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and have 20-25 years of overall longevity. This might be the finest vintage I've tasted."
93-
95+
LISA PERROTTI-BROWN: „The 2022 L'If, 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, is deep garnet-purple in color. It swans out of the glass with gregarious notions of juicy raspberries, plum preserves, and fresh blackberries, followed by hints of roses, star anise, and smoked meats. The medium to full-bodied palate is charged with energy, delivering a firm fine-grained backbone of tannins and lovely tension, finishing long and fragrant. pH 3.52."
93-
95
THE WINE ADVOCATE: "Aromas of raspberries, cherries, spices and bay leaf introduce the 2022 L'If, a medium to full-bodied, layered and fleshy wine that's taut and vibrant, built around lively acids and fine, chalky tannins. A blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, the decision to halve the volume of pump-overs have delivered a suave Saint-Émilion, even in this structured vintage."
