Château Sansonnet, 2014

"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-Emilion. 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."

"A savory and rich red with ripe tannins and sweet fruit. Dark chocolate and walnuts, too. Medium-to full-bodied, extremely long and beautiful. Lovely finish. Needs at least three or four years to soften."

"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."