The 2023 Chateau L’If is a Bordeaux blend comprising 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. Originating from the Saint Emilion sub-region in Bordeaux, France, this red wine showcases the craftsmanship of producer Chateau L’If. The 2023 vintage is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first year of wine production in the newly renovated cellar, featuring cement vats.

James Suckling gave the wine an impressive 97 points, highlighting its “center-palate and the purity of cool fruit notes, such as brambleberry and orange peel,” and describing it as “whole and layered with ultra-fine tannins leading to a silky texture and persistent finish” (jamessuckling.com, 4/15/2024).

Similarly, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded the wine 95 points, praising its “dark bouquet of licorice, dark wild berries, pencil lead, coniferous forest, spices and oak.” Yohan Castaing noted that it is “rich and concentrated with a fleshy core of fruit framed by powdery tannins, culminating in a long, mineral, chalky finish” (Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 4/26/2024).

Jane Anson, scoring it 93 points, emphasized its “vibrancy and luscious fruit” and noted the wine's “feeling of energy, salinity, and mouthwatering determination to make you smile” (janeanson.com, 4/22/2024).

Jeb Dunnuck also reviewed the wine favorably with 94 points, pointing out its “ripe black cherry and juicy blackberry fruit” and “lively, incredibly elegant mouthfeel,” describing it as another “terrific wine from the talented Cyril Thienpont” (jebdunnuck.com, 5/8/2024).

The Wine Independent, which rated it 96 points, described the wine as “deep garnet-purple in color” with “flamboyant notes of kirsch, juicy plums, and mulberries,” and praised its “firm fine-grained tannins and fantastic tension” (The Wine Independent, 5/7/2024).

Decanter gave the wine 94 points, appreciating its “balance between acidity and alcohol” and the “juiciness that beckons drinking in a medium-bodied palate” (Decanter, 4/15/2024).

Vinous, scoring it 96 points, highlighted its “unusually floral and refined” nature, adding that the 2023 vintage feels like a “new chapter for L’If” with “vibrancy and energy” (Vinous, 4/1/2024).

Jeff Leve, also awarding it 97 points, praised its “floral, fresh, and exuberant” character, noting the red berries’ “vibrancy that gives energy and length” (TheWineCellarInsider.com, 5/4/2024).

Overall, the 2023 Chateau L’If is highly acclaimed, with reviewers praising its vibrant fruit, refined tannins, and elegant structure.