2014 Le Thil (Comte Clary)
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The 2014 Le Thil has turned out nicely. Sweet red cherry, flowers, mint and pipe tobacco give the wine its distinctive aromatic signatures, while silky tannins add to an overall impression of grace and creaminess.
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Neal Martin
Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
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The 2014 Le Thil emerges from a site just north of Smith Haut Lafitte. Black cherry, blackberry, smoke, spice and licorice open up in a fleshy, supple wine to drink upon release and for another decade-plus beyond that. Hints of lavender, rose petal and mint add freshness on the finish. All the elements fall into place gracefully. In 2014, Le Thil is 100% Merlot.
The Château Le Thil 2014 is a pure Merlot since the Cabernet Sauvignon has been pulled up to be replaced by Cabernet Franc in a single 20-hectare block. Aged in 30% new oak, it has a tightly-wound bouquet: black fruit with a light marine influence. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin and a keen line of acidity. There is a vein of dark chocolate developing on the finish leading to a stern, quite stony finish that offers just the right amount of reserve. The structure suggests that it will require three or four years in bottle, though it might always soften a little during its élevage.