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

The 2018 Sansonnet is super-impressive right out of the gate. In recent years, Sansonnet has been opulent. The 2018 captures all of that richness but also has an extra kick of vibrancy that works so well in balancing things out. The style is still concentrated, and there is plenty of new oak, but it all works so well together. Inky red fruit, chocolate, plum, rose petals and spice linger on the exotic finish. The 2018 is so expressive today. Moreover, it is flat-out delicious.

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.

This estate has been on fire of late and that doesn't appear to have changed with the 2018 Château Sansonnet. Revealing a dense purple hue as well as a young, unevolved bouquet of pure crème de cassis, graphite, crushed violets, bouquet garni, chocolate, and distinct chalky minerality, it delivers remarkable purity, full-bodied richness, silky tannins, and flawless balance. A wine that builds slowly with time in the glass, offering a beautiful mix of richness, elegance, and length, it's as good, if not even better than the 2016. Don't miss it!

The 2018 Sansonnet was impressive in barrel and remains so in bottle. It has an intense, opulent bouquet of layered black cherry and blueberry fruit and crème de cassis, yet it manages to retain fine delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent black fruit, sweet and maybe a little glossy in style, but it has a marvelous, penetrating finish. I suspect this may close down, so either drink soon or cellar for several years.

This 35-year-old, 6.96-hectare vineyard is planted to 6,000 vines per hectare on thin clay and limestone soils atop the Saint-Émilion plateau, just across the road from Trottevieille. It comes from the Sansonnet lieu-dit and is blended of 90% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc. With 15% alcohol and a deep purple-black color, the 2018 Sansonnet is a little reticent to begin, opening out to notions of stewed plums, warm cassis, blackberry coulis and fruitcake with hints of grilled meats and fried herbs. Big, rich, full and laden with massive black fruit preserves layers, it has a plush texture and spicy finish.