2005 Sanctus

From a special 7.5 acre parcel culled from the Bienfaisance vineyard, this 1,000-case cuvee is dominated by its Merlot component (the blend also includes some Cabernet Franc). As are most of St.-Emilion’s garigiste wines, it is given a Burgundian-like treatment of pre-fermentation cold maceration, malolactic in barrel, aging on its lees, and little clarification, all designed to accentuate the terroir, and enhance the wine’s texture and perfume. The stunningly perfumed 2005 offers up notions of toast, black cherry jam, blackberries, espresso roast, white chocolate, and juicy meat. It is full-bodied as well as opulent for the vintage, with a gorgeous texture, and a long, 35+ second finish. Consume it over the next 15 or more years.

Bright medium ruby-red. Subtle aromas of cassis, black cherry, dark chocolate and flowers. Broad and ripe but classically dry, even a bit youthfully austere-not a bad thing in this vintage. This builds impressively toward the back, finishing with big tannins and a rich chocolatey flavor.

Full, deep ruby. Black fruit aromas show an almost liqueur-like sweetness. Rich, lush and sweet, with opulent, broad black fruit, mineral and licorice flavors. This spreads out impressively on the back end, finishing with fine, horizontal tannins and excellent building length. Promises to be the best vintage yet for this special cuvee from Chateau Bienfaisance.