2020, Château Saintayme, SAINT-ÉMILION Grand Cru

Bordeaux Blend: 100% Merlot.

The 2020 Saintayme has opened up nicely on the nose since I tasted it from barrel. Black cherries, raspberry coulis, and a background estuarine scent. This is very well-defined and cohesive. The palate is medium-bodied with a slightly granular texture, fine acidity, black fruit with a touch of orange rind, just a little rigidity on the finish that will be addressed by a couple of years in bottle. This is a lovely Saintayme that may deserve a higher score down the line. 89+ Neal Martin, Vinous.

The 2020 Saintayme is every bit as charming as it was en primeur. Racy and layered in the glass, this mid-weight Saint-Émilion is quite open and accessible today. Crushed red berry fruit, spice, white pepper, rose petal and a touch of new oak are all nicely put together. I would give this a few years to come together, as the tannins are a bit nervy today. There's terrific energy and vibrancy here. Pretty floral accents liven up the finish. 92 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.

The 2020 Saintayme is 100% Merlot, harvested between the 28th and the 30th of September. It has an alcohol of 14.5% and is aging in French oak barrels, 30% new. Deep purple-black coloured, it needs a little coaxing to unlock scents of tar, forest floor and aniseed, over a core of baked black plums, blackberry pie and chocolate-covered cherries, plus a touch of dried mint. The full-bodied palate is densely packed with muscular black fruits and loads of earthy accents, framed by firm, rounded tannins and just enough freshness, finishing on a lingering minty note. 63,000 bottles are expected to be made. 90-92 Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate.

Deep crimson colour, plenty of deep bilberry fruits, firm tannins and good tension; a lot to like about this wine. Closes in on the finish, pretty serious in feel overall, muscular, but has the deft kick upwards that you find in many limestone-led wines in the vintage. The first year with Constance and Noemie Durantou at the helm, having taken over from their late father Denis (Noemie in particular had also worked alongside him for several years as winemaker, along with cellar master Olivier Gautrat). 92 Jane Anson, Decanter. 

Perfumed, with gorgeous damson, blackcurrant and creamy milk chocolate. Smooth and supple, there is a silky edge to the tannins. Round and full in the mouth - a juicy succulence - allied to bitter tangy aspects, spice and dark chocolate edging. Sleek, sophisticated and upfront, yet at the same time there is a refreshing, cool and minty herbaceousness. Precise and streamlined. 92 Georgina Hindle, Decanter.

Drinking Window: 2025 - 2036