2018 Chateau Sansonnet Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru

The 2018 Sansonnet is a blend of 90% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc. With 15% alcohol and a deep garnet-purple color, it opens a little broody, offering glimpses at tar and damp earth notes before bursting forth with expressive plum preserves, blueberry pie and licorice scents, followed by hints of cedar chest and pencil lead. Full-bodied, rich and impactful in the mouth, the generous black fruits are nicely framed by firm, rounded tannins and loads of freshness, finishing long and earthy.

The 2018 Sansonnet is gorgeous. Vibrant, delineated and full of character, the 2018 has so much to offer. In 2018, Sansonnet is a bit restrained and yet it possesses terrific depth and energy in its black cherry, chocolate, licorice and menthol flavors. Always a rich wine, in 2018 Sansonnet has a good bit of freshness and that plays off its more overt leanings very nicely. The 2018 feels just a bit less extracted than some previous editions, and that is a good thing. Not to worry, though, there is plenty of richness and concentration. Sansonnet got better and better as my en primeur tastings progressed. The last of the four samples I tasted was the most impressive.

The 2018 Sansonnet has a pure and opulent bouquet with luscious dark cherry, blueberry and iodine aromas that seems well integrated with the new oak. Modern in style, but nicely executed. The palate is medium-bodied with supple ripe tannins. There is good body here, velvety smooth with a deep and caressing blueberry and cassis-tinged finish that is irresistible. This is a gorgeous, sensual Saint-Émilion from the Lefévère family.

90% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 7% Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlots picked late September and on 5 October but the Cabernets were not picked until 15 October. Cold pre-fermentation maceration, extraction by pigeage and/or pumping over for 20 to 28 days. Malo in barrels of 225 and 500 litres, 80% new. The young Merlots were aged in amphorae. Unnecessarily heavy bottle. Deep purplish crimson. Sumptuous nose with notes of tea leaves. Then quite marked acidity as well as very concentrated fruit and carefully managed tannins on the palate. This should age pretty well even if for the moment all the ingredients are a bit embryonic and unknit. Just a little drying on the end for the moment. (JR)