Chateau Saintayme Saint Emilion 2018

From the team of Denis Durantou, the 2018 Saintayme (100% Merlot brought up in 30% new oak) is a total charmer that savvy readers should snatch up. Offering full-bodied notes of black raspberries, kirsch, and spice box, it has silky tannins, a terrific sense of elegance and purity, and outstanding length. Drink it on release and over the following decade. 90-92

Denis Durantou's 2018 Saintayme is especially fine in 2018. Bright, floral and energetic, Saintayme really shines. In fact, I can't remember a recent vintage with this much finesse. The tannins need time to soften, but there is plenty of radiant fruit waiting to emerge. I won't be surprised if the finished wine is even better than this note suggests. Tasted two times. 89-92

Lively, featuring raspberry and red currant notes stretching out, with light floral and singed apple wood accents. 89-92

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. 89-91