Wines Saint-Émilion Grand Cru La Bienfaisance - Sanctus - 2010

Château La Bienfaisance’s Cuvée Sanctus 2010 is a distinguished Saint-Émilion Grand Cru from Bordeaux. Crafted predominantly from Merlot, with a touch of Cabernet Franc, this wine encapsulates all the elegance and depth expected from an exceptional vintage in this famed appellation. The 2010 harvest was marked by ideal weather conditions, producing wines of concentration, balance, and fantastic aging potential. In the glass, Cuvée Sanctus reveals a deep, garnet color with a bouquet blending dark cherries, plum, blackberry, and crushed violets, layered with hints of cedar, tobacco, and a subtle mineral streak. The palate is plush and full-bodied, featuring refined tannins and a well-structured acidity, culminating in a long, persistent finish. Vinification combines modern precision with tradition, involving careful selection, temperature-controlled fermentation, and extended maturation in French oak barrels, some new, to impart complexity and grace.

Saint-Émilion, located on Bordeaux’s Right Bank, is celebrated for its rolling limestone plateaus and clay slopes, providing outstanding drainage while encouraging deep root growth and limited yields. This, combined with the moderate Atlantic climate, creates nuanced, aromatic wines with remarkable cellaring capability. The region’s history stretches back to Roman times and flourished in the Middle Ages, today recognized for its UNESCO World Heritage landscapes and prestigious Grand Crus, which have shaped Bordeaux’s global reputation.

For food pairings, this Saint-Émilion Grand Cru beautifully complements classic French dishes. Think of pairing it with duck breast in a red wine reduction, roast lamb with garlic and herbs, or a traditional entrecôte bordelaise. The silkiness of the wine integrates seamlessly with earthy dishes like beef filet in morel sauce or even a truffled mushroom risotto. For a local touch, try it alongside magret de canard or a simple Bordelais steak, served with pommes sarladaises.

To fully appreciate its complexity, decant the wine for at least an hour before serving. The ideal serving temperature is between 16 and 18°C; this allows the aromas and flavors to fully blossom, offering you the best possible experience of this mature and expressive Bordeaux Grand Cru.