2018 Chateau Saintayme Grand Cru

2018 Chateau Saintayme Saint-Emilion Grand Cru

2018 Chateau Saintayme Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Emerging from the talents of Denis Durantou, the 100% Merlot 2018 Saintayme should be snatched up by readers who want a brilliant, delicious Bordeaux to enjoy over the coming decade. Terrific notes of black cherries, kirsch, flowery incense, cedarwood, and tobacco all define the bouquet, and it’s medium to full-bodied and beautifully balanced, with silky tannins and a ripe, hedonistic, yet balanced style that’s a joy to drink. 94pts JD  

Aromas of blackberries, chocolate, cherries, pine needles and bark follow through to a medium to full body with refined tannins and a juicy, nicely fruity finish. 93pts JS

Produced by Denis Durantou of Château L’Eglise Clinet, the 2018 Saintayme has deep garnet-purple colored, it bursts from the glass with plum preserves, crushed blackberries and chocolate-covered cherries with hints of lavender, unsmoked cigar and fragrant earth. Medium to full-bodied, the palate reveals beautiful freshness and elegance with soft tannins and loads of mineral sparks on the finish. 91pts WA

This wine is a steal for what’s in the bottle. This was a find that we were lucky to get our hands on. Denis Durantou can only be described as a Master Bordeaux Winemaker. He is one of the very few rock stars in Bordeaux, whatever he makes turn to gold. He has mastered all the great appellations. His 2012 Chateau L’Eglise Clinet was the only wine from the vintage to score 100pts by Parker. Today I bring to you Mr. Durantou’s personal property from St Emilion, his pride and joy from the great 2018 vintage. The 2018 Chateau Saintayme Grand Cru is an absolutely glorious Bordeaux that has received excellent press in its own right. The 2018 vintage for Bordeaux is a great year for Bordeaux rivalling recent great vintages like 2016 and 2010 on the right bank. The wine is also a great value from such a great vintage and such a great winemaker. The wine is starting to drink and to enjoy over the next ten years, a fleshy style of St Emilion, black fruits, hints of smoke and kirsch. The vineyard of Saintayme is located in the increasingly popular commune of Saint Etienne de Lisse. The cooler soils of that sector are also the home for Valandraud and Chateau Fleur Cardinale. The vines of Saintayme are in one single plot. The terroir is limestone, clay and gravel soils. The vineyard is planted to Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The wine of Saintayme is produced by the same team that makes all the wines for Denis Durantou.  This wine is a wow! I have thirty five cases to offer. This is a no-brainer buy for those looking for Bordeaux of the highest caliber at a great price!