L'If 2016 (750ML)

98 JS / 97 WCI / 96+ VM

This is a compact cylinder of ripe and fresh fruit with currant, fresh-herb and dry-earth character on the palate. So solid. Full-bodied yet refined and checked in every way. Well-defined, formed and perfect. Just a hint of volcanic salt and iron. Contemplate this one. Try after 2026.-James Suckling

The wine is full-bodied and concentrated. But it's not a wine of power. Instead the wine lives through its purity, sensuality, length and opulence. The plum and cherry core of fruit expands on the palate and in the juicy, long finish. This is the final vintage made from 100% Merlot.-Jeff Leve, Wine Cellar Insider

The 2016 L'If, 100% Merlot in this vintage, is going to need a number of years to be at its very best. The allure the 2016 showed as a young barrel sample has been replaced with huge structure and prominent yet well balanced tannins that both give the wine its strong-voiced personality. Readers should be prepared to be patient with the 2016, as it is going to need a number of years to be at its very best. Even so, the 2016 is super-impressive in the early going, not to mention a fabulous wine in the making. Cyrille Thienpont gave the 2016 14 months in French oak, 50% new.-Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media