13-09-2013, 11:29 PM
L’IF 2012, Saint Emilion
You have perhaps already heard about Jacques Thienponts’ new project in Saint Emilion: an eight hectare vineyard, most of which is situated on the limestone plateau next to Château Troplong Mondot with a fabulous view of the medieval village.
Purchased during the winter of 2009-2010, the estate was called Chateau Le Haut-Plantey and the wines were sold under this name and that of Chateau La Bouygue. Today, the vineyard is reborn with the name L’ IF – which means Yew Tree in French to match Le Pin and is a play on words with the English word « IF » for all the choices and possibilities faced in making wine.
Before finding a new name, the first job was to restore the vineyard to good health. With a geologist, we made a detailed study of the soil boring 26 two metre holes around the estate to examine the quality of the soil and the water retention through the different strata. We separated the vineyard into 14 different parcels and adapted the viticulture to each parcel. To bring the soil back into balance we planted wild grasses between the vine rows – such as clover, barley, rye grass and mâche – each plant being chosen to give natural nutrients to the soil ; we started a programme of renewing the vineyard – pulling out old vines, replanting and co-planting with a massale selection at higher densities. We have introduced many manual interventions such as debudding, deleafing, green harvest and several selections during the harvest.
L’IF is a work in progress; we are gradually understanding this beautiful vineyard which is now planted with 70 % Merlot, 29 % Cabernet Franc, 1 % Cabernet Sauvignon (we have already pulled out a parcel of Cabernet Sauvignon which will lie fallow for three years.) Today the wine is vinified in small temperature controlled stainless steel vats corresponding to the size of the parcels; the malolactic fermentation occurs in barrels and the wine is aged between 12 and 16 months (50% new barrels, 50% barrels which have aged one wine).
2012 will be the first “en primeur” release of L’IF. The picking was done between the 13th and the 16th October for the Merlots and between the 16th and 18th October for the Cabernets. Less than ten thousand bottles will be produced and the blend is 82% Merlot and18% Cabernet Franc. The 2012 has a dark purple black colour with violet reflections; an expressive nose of blueberries and blackcurrant with pretty oak tones ; on the palate the wine is structured, fresh and velvety; in the finish there is a touch of graphite and red currant typical of Cabernet Franc. The 2011 will be released at the time of bottling in September 2013 (packaged in wooden cases of six bottles.)
The manager of L’IF is Cyrille Thienpont, the son of Nicolas Thienpont, cousin of Jacques and well-known for his direction of several top Saint Emilion chateaux.
uit Fiona's blog...
Eentje om in de gaten te houden...ben benieuwd naar de prijs maar vooral naar de smaak! Zou één dezer op de markt moeten komen...De 2012 met 82% Merlot, kan niet slecht zijn
You have perhaps already heard about Jacques Thienponts’ new project in Saint Emilion: an eight hectare vineyard, most of which is situated on the limestone plateau next to Château Troplong Mondot with a fabulous view of the medieval village.
Purchased during the winter of 2009-2010, the estate was called Chateau Le Haut-Plantey and the wines were sold under this name and that of Chateau La Bouygue. Today, the vineyard is reborn with the name L’ IF – which means Yew Tree in French to match Le Pin and is a play on words with the English word « IF » for all the choices and possibilities faced in making wine.
Before finding a new name, the first job was to restore the vineyard to good health. With a geologist, we made a detailed study of the soil boring 26 two metre holes around the estate to examine the quality of the soil and the water retention through the different strata. We separated the vineyard into 14 different parcels and adapted the viticulture to each parcel. To bring the soil back into balance we planted wild grasses between the vine rows – such as clover, barley, rye grass and mâche – each plant being chosen to give natural nutrients to the soil ; we started a programme of renewing the vineyard – pulling out old vines, replanting and co-planting with a massale selection at higher densities. We have introduced many manual interventions such as debudding, deleafing, green harvest and several selections during the harvest.
L’IF is a work in progress; we are gradually understanding this beautiful vineyard which is now planted with 70 % Merlot, 29 % Cabernet Franc, 1 % Cabernet Sauvignon (we have already pulled out a parcel of Cabernet Sauvignon which will lie fallow for three years.) Today the wine is vinified in small temperature controlled stainless steel vats corresponding to the size of the parcels; the malolactic fermentation occurs in barrels and the wine is aged between 12 and 16 months (50% new barrels, 50% barrels which have aged one wine).
2012 will be the first “en primeur” release of L’IF. The picking was done between the 13th and the 16th October for the Merlots and between the 16th and 18th October for the Cabernets. Less than ten thousand bottles will be produced and the blend is 82% Merlot and18% Cabernet Franc. The 2012 has a dark purple black colour with violet reflections; an expressive nose of blueberries and blackcurrant with pretty oak tones ; on the palate the wine is structured, fresh and velvety; in the finish there is a touch of graphite and red currant typical of Cabernet Franc. The 2011 will be released at the time of bottling in September 2013 (packaged in wooden cases of six bottles.)
The manager of L’IF is Cyrille Thienpont, the son of Nicolas Thienpont, cousin of Jacques and well-known for his direction of several top Saint Emilion chateaux.
uit Fiona's blog...
Eentje om in de gaten te houden...ben benieuwd naar de prijs maar vooral naar de smaak! Zou één dezer op de markt moeten komen...De 2012 met 82% Merlot, kan niet slecht zijn
