Saintayme - St.-Emilion 2018 (750ml)

 

WS

92

WA

91

JS

93

Price: $27.99

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94 Pts Jeb Dunnuck 91 Pts Decanter

Producer	Saintayme
Country	France
Region	Bordeaux
Subregion	St.-Emilion
Varietal	Bordeaux Blend
Vintage	2018
Sku	210000001494
Size	750ml

Saintayme - St.-Emilion 2018

100 Pt Wine Maker. All Estate Fruit. Top Vintage, under $30. Triple Play!

Denis Durantou can only be described as a Master Bordeaux Winemaker. His efforts on 2012 Chateau L’Eglise Clinet was the only wine from the vintage to score 100pts by Parker. Chateau Saintayme is Durantou’s personal property from St Emilion. The 2018 Chateau Saintayme Grand Cru is textbook St- Emilion that has received incredible scores from 5 different publications.

The vineyard designation for this estate neigbor the likes of Château Valandraud and Château Fleur Cardinale. The same technical team that makes the wine of Denis Durantou’s flagship property, L’Eglise Clinet, also handles the entire production from bud break to bottling at Chateau Saintayme.  For those unfamiliar with L’Eglise Clinet, the estate is one of the jewels of Pomerol, with grand vin that is comparable in quality to the giants within the appellation such as Chateau Petrus. For these reasons, this wine is completely under valued and what we refer to here as a true “insider” wine.  

We do not push vintage too hard here @ DB, but it is important to note that 2018 was what some refer to as a “legendary” vintage.  The 2018 vintage in St Emilion was awarded a huge 94 Pt Score by Robert Parkers Wine Advocate. The only 5 vintages have scored higher dating back to 1991. 2016, 2015, 2005, 2000, and 1998. The laws regarding winemaking are far more strict in Bordeaux than say California, so we do see mother nature playing a more critical role in Bordeaux. Truth be told as we previously mentioned, Denis Durantou can make great wine in any vintage. 2012 was far from a key vintage release, and he produced a 100 pt wine in that vintage.

94 Pts Jeb Dunnuck - 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.

91 Decanter - Vibrant ruby in colour, this is a touch austere right now, subdued but rippling with potential. The plump and glossy fruits are good quality and the palate is well structured, with clear lift on the finish. It may be holding back right now but it has a long life ahead. 30% new oak.

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. Try after 2024.

Lively, featuring raspberry and red currant notes stretching out, with light floral and singed apple wood accents

Produced by Denis Durantou of Château L’Eglise Clinet, the 2018 Saintayme is made of 100% Merlot with 30% new oak and 14.5% alcohol. 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.