2014 Sansonnet

The 2014 Sansonnet comes from the namesake lieu-dit less than one kilometer east of Saint-Emilion. It has a ripe, quite powerful bouquet with layers of dark berry, cedar fruit and a touch of apricot. The palate is medium-bodied with fine structure, linear in style with an attractive bitter cherry edge on the graphite-tinged finish. This is very classy, just as it was in barrel and now in bottle. Go seek out this beautifully made Saint Emilion.

One of the real surprises of the vintage, the 2014 Sansonnet has turned out beautifully. Specifically, the firm tannins and notable oakiness have integrated very nicely. A rush of black cherry, plum, chocolate and leather give the wine its bombastic, flamboyant personality. Large and ample to its core, the 2014 is seriously opulent and extracted, and yet all the elements are fused together beautifully. The 2014 will appeal most to readers who enjoy the bolder side of Saint-Émilion. I tasted the 2014 twice and it was equally impressive on both occasions. Consulting winemaker Jean-Philippe Fort has done a terrific job. The blend is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc.

The 2014 Sansonnet is one of the more overt, explosive St.-Emilions readers will come across in 2014. A blast of super-ripe dark cherry, smoke, licorice, new oak and leather hits the palate. The 2014 is bold and exuberant to the core, with big tannins that are going to require at least a few years to settle down. The firm, incisive tannins suggest the extractions are too heavy for the personality of this site. I tasted the Sansonnet three times during the two weeks I spent in Bordeaux, and it was better each time, so I am hopeful the wine will find its balance during aging. Still, my impression is that the style is a bit forced. The blend is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. Tasted three times.