The 2017 Chateau L’If Bordeaux Blend, hailing from the Saint Emilion sub-region of Bordeaux, France, is a red wine composed of 91% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc. With an alcohol content of 14.84%, this vintage has garnered significant praise from various wine critics.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate rates it with a commendable 93 points. Describing its appearance as "deep garnet-purple in color," the review highlights the wine's aromatic profile 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." The Advocate notes its medium body, elegant tannins, and freshness, accentuating its "well-sustained mid-palate fruit and a long, earth-laced finish."

Jeff Leve of TheWineCellarInsider.com offers an even higher score of 94 points, praising the wine's immediate appeal with aromas of "truffle, licorice, and ripe black cherries." He describes the palate as "supple in texture with a profundity of fruit and glossy, silk tannins," noting a touch of jam and a balanced progression to a "plum, vanilla, chocolate, and boysenberry filled finish." Leve considers this vintage "quite an accomplishment."

Antonio Galloni of Vinous awards the 2017 L'If an impressive 96 points. He describes the wine as "fabulous," noting its "off-the-charts intensity and vertical explosiveness." The tasting notes include "black cherry, chocolate, licorice, smoke, and dried flowers," all contributing to its complexity and nuance. Galloni also emphasizes the depth of fruit that envelops the tannins, with "bright floral and spice notes punctuating the super-expressive finish."

James Suckling rates the wine the highest, with a stellar 97 points. He praises its "really perfumed" nature with elements of "tar, licorice, blackberries, and stone," along with "ultra fine tannins" that create a "tightly wound mouth feel" and a "long, precise finish." Suckling recommends drinking this wine after 2025 for optimal enjoyment.

Wine Spectator also weighs in with a solid 93 points, calling the wine "juicy and youthfully compact," with a core of "plum, black currant, and blackberry preserve flavors." The review mentions lively anise and bramble elements and notes the wine's fresh acidity. The publication suggests it will be best enjoyed from 2022 through 2030, with only 500 cases made.

Overall, the 2017 Chateau L'If Bordeaux Blend is highly regarded across the board, noted for its complexity, depth, and balance.