The 2011 Chateau L'if is a Bordeaux blend hailing from the esteemed Saint Emilion region in France. This vintage marks the debut of Jacques Thienpont's venture over the border into St-Émilion, crafted from eight hectares of 30-year-old vines. The vineyard's Merlot-dominant composition, with 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, is harvested notably three weeks later than at Le Pin, suggesting patient and meticulous winemaking practices.

Jancis Robinson's review on her Purple Pages provides a clear insight into this wine's character. She describes the bouquet as "spicy, ripe and plummy," with a hint of something intriguingly "bready." This indicates a complex nose, likely owing to the ripe Merlot's fruity essence combined with the subtle spice of Cabernet Franc. Robinson finds the wine "fragrant and lively," a promising note for those who appreciate wines with a dynamic aromatic profile.

On the palate, the wine is dry with firm yet gentle tannins, a balance that suggests both structure and approachability. The blend's composition and the careful timing of harvest contribute to its overall expressive nature. Robinson assigns it a score of 90, reflecting a high-quality wine debut for Chateau L'if.

At 14.0% alcohol, this red wine is robust yet refined, with the Saint Emilion terroir shining through its construction. The use of cork as a closure respects traditional winemaking values, aligning with the heritage of its Bordeaux roots. Given its first vintage status, the 2011 Chateau L'if sets a solid foundation for future iterations, appealing to collectors and enthusiasts interested in tracking the evolution of this new label from an established winemaker.