Château Sansonnet 2020

Nestled at the pinnacle of the Saint-Émilion plateau, Château Sansonnet boasts an enviable location that contributes to its exceptional wines. The vineyard's unique terroir is characterized by a thin layer of clay overlaying limestone, providing the perfect foundation for grape cultivation.

Encompassing a single 7-hectare (17-acre) plot that envelops the château, the vineyard at Château Sansonnet showcases the harmonious interplay of varietals. The estate's winemakers expertly blend a dominant proportion of 85% Merlot with nuanced additions of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, resulting in wines of depth and complexity.

The wines of Château Sansonnet display a mesmerizing ruby hue that hints at their inherent richness. Upon aeration, captivating aromas of sour cherry and blackcurrant tantalize the senses, drawing the taster further into their allure. On the palate, these wines make a grand entrance, evolving with elegance and balance, showcasing fine tannins and the luscious flavors of ripe fruit.

With its impeccable structure and aging potential, the wine of Château Sansonnet rewards patience, promising further refinement and depth over time. This remarkable expression of Saint-Émilion embodies the artistry and craftsmanship that define this esteemed appellation.

Château Sansonnet stands as a testament to the dedication and skill of its winemakers, capturing the essence of its unique terroir in every bottle. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for future enjoyment, these wines invite wine enthusiasts to experience the harmonious marriage of fruit, tannins, and elegance that make Château Sansonnet a true treasure of the Saint-Émilion plateau.

"Deep purple-black colored, the 2020 Sansonnet needs a bit of swirling and coaxing to release its beguiling nose of black cherry preserves, bursting ripe blueberries and stewed plums, with hints of star anise, violets, dark chocolate and cardamom, plus a waft of wood smoke. The rich, decadent, full-bodied palate (15% alcohol) delivers impactful, mouth-coating black fruits, framed by velvety tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with lingering exotic spices notes."

"Another head-turning vintage from this château, the 2020 Château Sansonnet is based on 95% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Cabernet Franc, from yields of 36 hectoliters per hectare, that was raised in 80% new barrels. Possessing incredible purity in its black raspberry and cassis fruit as well as notes of white flowers, camphor, and spicy oak, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, polished, ultra-fine tannins, flawless balance, and a great, great finish. This estate, under the guidance of Marie and Christophe Lefévère, has had a shocking string of truly incredible vintages, and given that these continue to be undervalued in the market, it's the wine lovers and wine drinkers out there who benefit. If you get a chance, don't miss this beauty." - Jeb Dunnuck, (03/29/2023), Ratings: 96, Drink: 2025-2040

"This 35+-year-old, 6.96-hectare vineyard is planted to 6,000 vines per hectare on thin clay and limestone soils atop the Saint-Émilion plateau, just across the road from Château Trotte Vieille. This 2020 blend is 95% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc, aging for around 16 months in French oak barrels, 80% new." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Advocate, (05/20/2021), Ratings: 94-96, Drink: 2026-2045

"Exuberant and succulent, dark ruby in colour, with full-on but well-balanced extraction that ensures big tannins, concentrated black fruits and a gourmet edge of cocoa bean and liqourice. Marie Benedtice Lefévère owns this 7ha estate. Jean-Philippe Fort consultant, 30hl/ha yield. The Lefevre family are ones to watch in St-Emilion right now, with their recent investments into Villemaurine and Valandraud." - Jane Anson, (12/01/2022), Ratings: 94, Drink: 2025-2042