2002 Sanctus
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Tasting notes
Red-ruby. Peppery aromas of currant, licorice, menthol and game. Juicy, minerally and firmly built, with sound acids and solid tannic spine giving the wine a sense of power. This offers very good energy in the mouth, and still needs a few years of bottle aging. (A second bottle was equally ripe but showed less clarity than the one I've scored.)
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
A fine effort for the vintage, the medium-bodied 2002 Sanctus exhibits aromas and flavors of white chocolate, forest floor, cherries, sweet currants, and toasty oak. With fine purity, nicely integrated acidity, and ripe tannin, it will drink well for 8-9 years. A 9-acre garage operation from the owners of La Bienfaisance, Sanctus boasts Stephane Derenoncourt as its consultant since 2001 (which is when the quality began to soar). It is a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc.
A fine effort for the vintage, the medium-bodied 2002 Sanctus exhibits aromas and flavors of white chocolate, forest floor, cherries, sweet currants, and toasty oak. With fine purity, nicely integrated acidity, and ripe tannin, it will drink well for 8-9 years. A 9-acre garage operation from the owners of La Bienfaisance, Sanctus boasts Stephane Derenoncourt as its consultant since 2001 (which is when the quality began to soar). It is a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc. Wine Advocate.April, 2005
(a special cuvee from Chateau Bienfaisance, vinified by consulting enologist Stephane Derenoncourt) Medium ruby. Reticent but perfumed aromas of black cherry, licorice and bitter chocolate. Fat, sweet and round, with impressive mouthfilling breadth and concentration. Intriguing suggestions of minerals and chocolate to go with the blackberry, black cherry, licorice, tobacco leaf and mint. Finishes with chewy, ripe tannins and very good length.