2020 Saintayme Saint-Emilion

95 Points James Suckling
In stock
A plump and rich Merlot from Saint Emilion, this wine offers serious aging potential for the price. Quality vineyards have been spotted and purchased by the owner of the Pomerol legend, Chateau L'Eglise Clinet. The result is a satisfying wine that bursts with black and red fruits and a deep and spicy aspect. Drink now or cellar a decade plus.
$44.99 in mixed 6+ or $49.99 per bottle

Grape

100% Merlot

Its Origins

Saintayme in St. Emilion is the property of Denis Durantou, best known for his famous Pomerol estate, Chateau L’Eglise Clinet. Durantou has expanded his holdings in the Right Bank over the past years to include not only Saintayme, but two estates in Lalande de Pomerol, Chateau Cruzelles and Chateau La Chenade, as well as Montlandrie in the Cotes de Bordeaux appellation. The vineyard of Saintayme is located in the increasingly popular commune of Saint Etienne de Lisse, the cooler soils of which are also home to Valandraud and Chateau Fleur Cardinale. The vines are in one single plot of limestone, clay and gravel that is planted to Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The average vine density is 6,000 vines per hectare, and the vines themselves are close to 35 years of age.

What The Critics Say

93-95/100 James Suckling

“A gorgeous red with so much black fruit and salty, mineral character. It’s medium-to full-bodied with creamy, polished tannins and a long finish. The precision and fine texture is impressive. One of the best I have had for a while.”

90-92/100 Vinous, Neal Martin

“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)." Drink 2027 - 2042

90-92/100 Parker's Wine Advocate, Lisa Perrotti-Brown

"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 colored, 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." Drink 2024 - 2038

Variety Merlot
Closure Cork
Volume 750 ml
Alcohol 14.50%
Maturity 2024 - 2042

This Wine Goes Well With

with BLUE CHEESE
with CHICKEN
with GAME

Taste

4

We deliver throughout New Zealand and to some locations overseas. Our deliveries are made by trusted third party carriers. For further details on prices and delivery options please go to DELIVERY INFORMATION section of our site.

If for any reason you are not entirely happy with your order or you suspect that they may be affected by a quality issue, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will remedy the problem straight away. Contact us on 0800 422 767.