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. Drink after 2025.

The 2017 L'If is fabulous. Rich and dense in the glass, the 2017 possesses off-the-charts intensity and vertical explosiveness. Black cherry, chocolate, licorice, smoke and dried flowers infuse the 2017 with tremendous complexity as well as nuance. The tannins are pretty much buried by the sheer depth of the fruit, while bright floral and spice notes punctuate the super-expressive finish. -- Antonio Galloni

Truffle, licorice and ripe black cherries command your attention immediately. On the palate, the wine is supple in texture with a profundity of fruit and glossy, silk tannins that are impossible to overlook. With a touch of jam in the back note. Everything is in balance from the start all the way through to the plum, vanilla, chocolate and boysenberry filled finish. This is quite an accomplishment for the vintage. The wine is made from blending 91% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc. The wine reached 14% alcohol with a pH of 3.51 94 Points Read more at:https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/wine-tasting-note/?vintage=2017&wine=L%27if

(90 - 92 points) 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.- LPB

Juicy and youthfully compact, with a core of plum, black currant and blackberry preserve flavors that will need to unwind. Shows lots of lively anise and bramble elements in the background, showing fresh acidity throughout. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2022 through 2030. 500 cases made. — JM