2018 Sansonnet, St-Emilion
96CK
96JD
96JS
96VN
94RP
92-94WE
93DC
93WS
$47.99
Fulfillment times vary, for estimated turnaround times
Availability by location
Main Warehouse: 48+ | Hollywood: 24
96
Chris Kissack
Reviewed September 2021The wines of Sansonnet are these days as pretty and as well presented as the château itself, which occupies a prominent position next to one of the roads heading east away from the town. The fruit of this 7-hectare vineyard sees a cold maceration before fermentation, and élevage was in 80% new French oak, with a portion remaining in vat, and a small volume of Merlot aged in two 7.5-hectolitre amphoras. Aromatically this opens with a salvo of dark and perfumed fruit, dark black cherry in particular, laced with dark chocolate, toast and smoked liquorice. The fruit on the palate is equally convincing, with a broad, dark and savoury character. It has great energy, as well as a textured and ripe core of tannins which sit comfortably buried within the fruit. This is a wine of great energy and persistence, and it has excellent potential for the cellar.
Professional Reviews
96
Jeb Dunnuck
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! 96+
96
James Suckling
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.
96
Vinous
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. (AG)
Staff Reviews
RM
What a wine. This shows the irresistible nature of the 2018s on the Right Bank and delivers a ton of character and refinement, all for a stunning price. The aromas are full of dark red fruit including cherries and plums, with hints of graphite, forest floor, and hints of vanilla. On the palate, it delivers black cherries, dark chocolate, and cassis. But the most amazing part of this is the flawless texture, precision of fruit and tannin, and the layered, mouthwatering acidity that lifts the whole thing and draws you back for another sip. In the scheme of Bordeaux, Sansonnet is a modern-leaning over-performer that delivers an incredible amount of refinement and is incredibly approachable at the same time. But it will also find many fans from those that love Napa classics and other hotbeds for the best in Bordeaux varietals. Hard to resist at this stage, 2018 Sansonnet will age effortlessly for a few decades for those who can resist pulling corks.
JM
Jacques Moreira
Jacques Moreira
Whenever I seek a St-Émilion, I envision a wine that is rich, generous, almost opulent. I also expect to open my wallet bit wider for it. Not here! For a very reasonable price, this wine delivers a luscious, generous palate of kirsch, blueberry liquor, chocolate, fresh tobacco. Rich but not excessive. A perfect steak wine.
Notes
93 points Neal Martin in Vinous: "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." (3/2021) Situated on Saint-Émilion's limestone plateau, the estate has been owned by the Lefévère family since 2009. Its promotion to Grand Cru Classé came in the 2012 Saint-Émilion classification.
Details
| Type | Red Wine |
|---|---|
| Varietal | Merlot |
| Origin | Saint Emilion, Bordeaux, France |
| Bottle Size | 750 mL |
| SKU | 1530246 |