2015 Sanctus La Bienfaisance
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The 2015 La Bienfaisance de Château Sanctus is a superb second wine that deftly balances fruit and structure. A rush of dark cherry, orange peel, plum, rose petal and spice nuances make a strong opening statement. There is more than enough stuffing to support at least a handful of years in the cellar. All the elements are impeccably balanced. This is terrific for what it is.
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Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
A Stéphane Derenoncourt wine. Fairly light nose. Sweet start and a bit dried fruit-like. Dry and a bit unyielding. (JR)
The 2015 La Bienfaisance de Château Sanctus is broad, ample and inviting. Dark cherry, plum, violet, spice and licorice are fused together in a creamy, powerful Saint-Émilion built on texture. This is a serious second wine, there is no doubt about it. The blend is 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc. Julien Lavenu and Hannah Fiegenschuh are the consulting winemakers.
The 2015 Sanctus du la Bienfaisance felt a little overdone on the nose with Christmas cake and fig-like scents infusing the high-toned red fruit and detracting from typicité. The palate is sweet on the entry. There is a lot of extraction here, but I am seeking more freshness and delineation to come through on the finish.