From a vineyard opposite Trottevieille, the 2021 Sansonnet opens in the glass with aromas of berries, plums, licorice and burning embers. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and rather muscular, with good depth at the core, tangy acids and powdery tannins that assert themselves on the finish, it's 91% Merlot, the balance Cabernet Franc.

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. 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 Chateau 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.