2012 Sanctus
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Tasting notes
Cabernet Franc plays a larger role in the flagship Sanctus vis-a-vis the Bienfaisance, the estate's second wine. The Sanctus is made from the estate's oldest vines on the Saint-Christophe des Bardes plateau. Red cherry jam, wild flowers, mint and sweet spices are laced together beautifully in this inviting, textured Saint-Emilion. Open-knit and expressive, the 2012 should continue to drink well for at least another handful of years, perhaps longer. The blend is 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc that sees around 90% new oak. Julien Lavenu and Hannah Fiegenschuh are the consulting winemakers.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
This 2012 was somewhat closed down and primary when I tasted it, and no doubt will put on weight and expand in texture as well as aromatic dimension. It exhibits a deep blue/purple color, medium to full body and good purity, but it was too tight and impenetrable to assess at present. Nevertheless, there is a lot going on here and I am confident it has the potential to be an outstanding effort by the time it is in bottle. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2028. A luxury cuvee coming from the bigger La Bienfaisance Vineyard, this blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc tips the scales at a whopping 14.4% natural alcohol. Yields were a modest 30 hectoliters per hectare.
This 2012 was somewhat closed down and primary when I tasted it, and no doubt will put on weight and expand in texture as well as aromatic dimension. It exhibits a deep blue/purple color, medium to full body and good purity, but it was too tight and impenetrable to assess at present. Nevertheless, there is a lot going on here and I am confident it has the potential to be an outstanding effort by the time it is in bottle. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2028. Apr 2013, www.robertparker.com