2015 Sansonnet

The 2015 Sansonnet has turned out beautifully. Full-bodied, unctuous and voluptuous, it is one of the best among the more overt, flamboyant wines being made in Saint-Émilion today. The plum, black cherry, mocha, espresso, new leather and spice flavors are all given an extra kick of textural richness by the decision to harvest late and the overall approach to extraction. Readers should expect a full-throttle, intense Saint-Émilion. For the first time in recent memory, Sansonnet seems to have fully ripe tannins, always a challenge to achieve in this cool site. The blend is 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Tasted three times.

The 2015 Sansonnet is composed of 90% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc aged for 16 months in French oak, 80% new. Deep garnet-purple with a nose of crushed blackberries, plum preserves and beef drippings with touches of sautéed herbs and tapenade, the full-bodied palate has loads of concentration and energy with a firm, velvety frame and long finish.

The finest vintage I’ve tasted from this estate, the 2015 Château Sansonnet is a deep, full-bodied, opulent beauty with notes of chocolaty dark fruits, leafy herbs and lots of graphite. Possessing a wealth of fruit and sweet, yet building tannin, this thick, beautifully layered wine is an awesome effort that will keep for 15+ years. The lieu-dit Sansonnet lies just east of the village of Saint-Emilion and covers 6.96 hectares. It was purchased by Marie and Christophe Lefévère in 2009 and this 2015 is 90% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc, aged 16 months in 80% new oak.