A powerful yet polished Right Bank Bordeaux, the 2018 Sansonnet impresses with layered aromas of blackberry, truffle, cedar, and wet earth. Predominantly Merlot, this vintage offers rich, ripe black fruits supported by firm tannins and a deep mineral core. Aged partly in amphora and 80% new oak, it finishes long, earthy, and elegant. Drink from 2024 through 2044.

James Suckling | JS 96
Published: Jan 6, 2021

Blackberry, black truffle, red tile and walnut on the nose. Full-bodied with a very dense, polished palate of ripe, firm tannins and beautifully pure fruit. Transparent and gorgeous. This will age nicely. Try after 2024.

The Wine Advocate | RP 94+
Published: Mar 31, 2021
Drink: 2024-2044 

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.

Decanter | D 93
Published: Nov 10, 2020
Drink: 2024-2040

Owned by Marie Lefévère. A ton of interest, with power and depth to the black fruits and the salty lick of limestone coming through at the end. This is excellent quality and has a brilliant, slow slate finish - I love this texture. 80% new oak, with amphorae used in the ageing alongside barrels. This has improved for me over ageing and is an upscore.

Vivino | Vivino 4.1

A nose of dark fruit and spice, deep purple in color. A smooth, elegant medium to full bodied red, cassis, black cherry, currants, smoke, a very good value.

Chateau-sansonnet.com

Château Sansonnet is located at the very top of the Saint-Emilion plateau. Its exceptional soil consists of a thin layer of clay over limestone. The vineyard covers a single 7-hectare (17-acre) plot that surrounds the chateau. A dominant 85% proportion of Merlot is blended with Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Its wine, which has great keeping potential, displays an intense ruby colour. When aired, it releases aromas of sour cherry and blackcurrant. Big on the attack, it evolves harmoniously on the palate towards an expression of fine tannins with a ripe fruit flavour.

Technical Specs

Alcohol: 15.0%
Closure: Natural Cork
Vintage: 2018
Oak: French oak barrels
Varietals: 90% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc
Vineyard: 6.96 hectares on the limestone plateau of Saint-Émilion, with clay over limestone soils; average vine age approximately 35 years
Harvest: Hand-harvested on 26 September, 28–29 September, 5 October and 15 October 2018
Vinification: Gravity and density sorting, cold pre-fermentation maceration and punch-down extraction; malolactic fermentation in barrels
Ageing: 18 months in French oak barrels, 80% new oak; some Merlot parcels aged in 7.5-hectolitre amphorae
Winemaker: Jean-Philippe Fort (oenologist)
Region: Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France
Classification: Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé

Serving Temperature: 16–18°C
Decanting: Decant for approximately 1–2 hours before serving to allow the wine to open up
Food Pairing: Roast lamb, beef tenderloin, venison, duck, game dishes, grilled mushrooms and mature hard cheeses