2016 Sanctus La Bienfaisance
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Tasting notes
Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 La Bienfaisance sports notions of baked black plums, mulberries and boysenberries with nuances of fruitcake, Chinese five spice and damp earth plus a waft of sautéed herbs. The full-bodied palate is bursting with black berry preserves and herbal sparks, framed by firm, rounded tannins and bold freshness, finishing long and spicy.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Blueberries, raspberries, spice, and dried flower notes all emerge from the 2016 La Bienfaisance de Château Sanctus, another classy, elegant 2016. With subtle oak, terrific purity, and fine tannins, I'd happily drink bottles over the coming 8-10 years or more.
Very attractive and fragrant, fresh red and dark berries with a wild-raspberry edge. The palate has a deep and smooth frame of tannins and carries plenty of bright blue-fruit flavor in fresh mode. Second wine of Chateau Sanctus. Try from 2022.
The 2016 La Bienfaisance de Château Sanctus is a gorgeous wine from Saint-Émilion's Saint Christophe de Bardes sector. Pliant and racy in the glass, the 2016 offers striking purity as well as nuance. Bright red-toned fruit, blood orange and floral overtones confer energy to this vibrant yet understated, persistent Saint-Émilion. I really like the sense of drive and energy here.