It is a decade ago that Jacques Thienpont made his first wine at L’If, the beautifully situated estate on the plateau of Saint Emilion, next to Château Troplong Mondot and Chateau Pavie-Macquin with gorgeous views over the medieval village. This is the second release of Collines de L’If, its name evocative of the rolling slopes where the grapes for this second wine are grown. Made from a blend of 91% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc, the Collines vineyard comprises three hectares of the estate. Made in small vats with aging for one year in half new and half one year barrels, this wine embodies the unique personality of the estate through its young vines. Collines de L’If is fine and fresh with notes of autumn fruits, licorice and spices. It has a lovely impression of conviviality, good richness and an attractive balance between fruit and soil with a touch of mint. The finish is long and appetizing with a red fruit character that is typical of Saint Emilion wines.