What a wine. This shows the irresistible nature of the 2018s on the Right Bank and delivers a ton of character and refinement, all for a stunning price. The aromas are full of dark red fruit including cherries and plums, with hints of graphite, forest floor, and hints of vanilla. On the palate, it delivers black cherries, dark chocolate, and cassis. But the most amazing part of this is the flawless texture, precision of fruit and tannin, and the layered, mouthwatering acidity that lifts the whole thing and draws you back for another sip. In the scheme of Bordeaux, Sansonnet is a modern-leaning over-performer that delivers an incredible amount of refinement and is incredibly approachable at the same time. But it will also find many fans from those that love Napa classics and other hotbeds for the best in Bordeaux varietals. Hard to resist at this stage, 2018 Sansonnet will age effortlessly for a few decades for those who can resist pulling corks.

Whenever I seek a St-Émilion, I envision a wine that is rich, generous, almost opulent. I also expect to open my wallet bit wider for it. Not here! For a very reasonable price, this wine delivers a luscious, generous palate of kirsch, blueberry liquor, chocolate, fresh tobacco. Rich but not excessive. A perfect steak wine.