The 2021 L’If is a wine of power and reserve. It exudes notable density and richness, but in the more restrained style of the year. Black cherry, graphite, spice, leather, tobacco and chocolate fill out the layers effortlessly. The 2021 is a gorgeous wine, but it won't be ready to appreciate fully for a number of years. Even so, it was exquisite in two separate tastings. -- Antonio Galloni

Richly colored with chocolate-covered cherries, flowers, licorice, and a background note of espresso. Elegant, clean, pure and fresh, there is lift and vibrancy on the palate and in the fruit. The wine finishes with crushed rocks, stones, and espresso accents, with peppery spices that add to the silky-textured plums and cherries in the backend. The wine blends 79% Merlot with 21% Cabernet Franc. Drink from 2026-2050.

Cedar and green tobacco with berries, currants and lavender with some sandalwood. Medium-bodied with linear and firm tannins that give this energy and focus. Refined and polished texture. 79% merlot and 21% cabernet franc. Give this two or three years to soften.

(WA 92-94+ points) A blend of 79% Merlot and 21% Cabernet Franc, the 2021 L'If shows considerable potential, and if it evolves as well as I suspect it will during élevage, it may make my score seem conservative. Offering up aromas of dark berries and plums mingled with loamy soil, black truffles and sweet forest floor, it's medium to full-bodied, layered and seamless, with velvety tannins and a bright spine of acidity, concluding with a long, saline finish. - William Kelley

Fragrant black cherries with dark chocolate, smells so beautifully scented with juniper, plum and damson. Bright and characterful, sleek and suave on the palate, fresh and fruity, filling the mouth with mouthwatering juice. I love the minerality - saline, iodine, graphite, wet stone and pencil lead flavours with a chalky feel. It has an expansive but gentle character in the mouth, not massively weighty but a good push of flavour. A touch of austerity comes into play but this maintains direction with tension and clarity. Well worked and graceful, if a little compact right now. Lots of promise.

Based on 79% Merlot and 21% Cabernet Franc raised in 50% new French oak, the 2021 L'If has a saturated ruby hue to go with beautiful aromatics of black raspberries, smoked earth, tobacco, and candied violets. This beauty is ripe, medium to full-bodied, has remarkable freshness and purity, and a great finish. Made by Cyrille Thienpont (Pavie Macquin, Larcis-Ducasse), this terrific Saint-Emilion will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age and drink brilliantly over the following 10-12+ years.