Region | |
---|---|
Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Right Bank > St Emilion |
Colour | Red |
Type | Still |
A garagiste selection from a 7.5-acre parcel culled from Chateau La Bienfaisance’s vineyard, Sanctus is a 1,000-case cuvee made from a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc. Perfectionist winemaking techniques, including small yields of 30-38 hectoliters per hectare, long macerations, malolactic in barrel, and aging sur-lie, have resulted in a stunningly rich, profound St.-Emilion. An inky/purple color is followed by aromas of graphite, camphor, blackberry liqueur, white chocolate, pain grille, and spice. This superb, full-bodied, opulent, well-textured wine should be drinkable young, but age easily for 15 or more years.
Sanctus is the luxury cuvee of Chateau La Bienfaisance, and the 2005 is unquestionably their finest effort to date. A 90% Merlot/10% Cabernet Franc blend fashioned from yields of 30 hectoliters per hectare, this blockbuster boasts an inky/purple color in addition to scents of graphite, blueberries, blackberries, cassis, and espresso roast. Dense, rich, and pure, with high, but sweet tannin, amazing levels of glycerin, and a 40+ second finish, it should drink well young yet age effortlessly for 15-18 years.