{"product_id":"lif-2016-75-cl","title":"Château L’IF 2016","description":"\u003cp\u003eL’IF 2016 is a refined Saint-Émilion red that embodies the elegance and energy of this exceptional Bordeaux vintage. Initially a touch reserved in the glass, it unfurls with time to reveal a strikingly perfumed, nuanced character that rewards patience and attention. Crafted in limited quantities by one of the region’s most respected families, it offers a modern, lifted expression of Right Bank terroir while staying true to classic Bordeaux structure and age-worthiness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the glass, L’IF 2016 shows a medium to deep garnet-purple hue, hinting at both concentration and freshness. The nose begins shy but quickly blossoms into layers of red and black plums, kirsch and wild berries, lifted by delicate rose petals, subtle tobacco leaf and a touch of wild sage.\n\nOn the palate, this is medium to full-bodied with a beautifully poised profile: ripe yet finely etched fruit supported by satin-like tannins and a vivid line of freshness. The core of plum and cherry fruit is elegant rather than opulent, framed by floral and herbal nuances that carry through into a long, perfumed finish. Already harmonious, it has the structure and acid backbone to evolve gracefully for at least 10–15 years from vintage, gaining complexity and tertiary notes with time in the cellar.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eL’IF is sourced from carefully tended parcels on the limestone and clay-limestone slopes of Saint-Émilion, a terroir renowned for producing Merlot and Cabernet Franc of great purity and finesse. The grapes are harvested by hand at optimal ripeness, with rigorous selection both in the vineyard and at the sorting table to ensure only pristine fruit makes it to the cellar. Vinification typically involves fermentation in temperature-controlled vats with gentle extraction to preserve aromatics and texture, followed by élevage in French oak barrels to build structure and complexity without overwhelming the wine’s natural elegance and freshness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood \u0026amp; Serving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eL’IF 2016 is a versatile, food-friendly Bordeaux that pairs beautifully with refined dishes such as roast lamb with herbs, beef tenderloin, veal chops, duck breast, or game birds. It also complements earthy preparations like mushroom risotto, truffle-infused dishes, and aged hard cheeses such as Comté or matured Gouda. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) to highlight its aromatic detail and supple texture. Decanting for 1–2 hours is recommended in its youth to help the wine fully open; as it matures, a shorter decant primarily for sediment management will suffice.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eL’IF is the Saint-Émilion project of the Thienpont family, the renowned proprietors behind the iconic Le Pin in Pomerol. Located on the limestone plateau and slopes just outside the medieval village of Saint-Émilion, the estate has quickly gained attention for its precision, purity, and contemporary, terroir-driven style. Though relatively young as a label, L’IF has already established itself as one of the most exciting emerging names on the Right Bank, showcasing the finesse of its terroir and the meticulous, small-scale craftsmanship that has made the Thienpont name synonymous with some of Bordeaux’s most sought-after wines.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Château L’IF","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54252181356881,"sku":"PS-7730889195720","price":217.14,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/L_IF.png?v=1783443613","url":"https:\/\/bottlehero.com\/products\/lif-2016-75-cl","provider":"Bottle Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}