Saintayme - Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2018

Vinous

88-90 / 100

byNeal Martinthe11/15/2019

The 2018 Saintayme was picked 29 September to 9 October, and matured in 30% new oak. It has a fragrant red cherry and crushed strawberry scented bouquet with light floral notes, peony and iris. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, good substance and a cedar-tinged, pencil-lead finish. Very fine.

WeinWisser

17 / 20

the5/7/2019

Vinifera

88 /

byJacques Perrinthe5/1/2019

Le nez est déjà très ouvert avec d'agréables notes florales et fruitées sur une touche boisée. Bouche ronde, chatoyante, qui délivre un charme immédiat. très jolie finale.

The Wine Cellar Insider

89-91 / 100

byJeff Levethe4/23/2019

Luscious plum and licorice forms the core of the wine. It is medium bodied, fresh, ripe, forward and easy to like with all its elegant, red cherry and plum charms. The wine is always made from 100% Merlot. Give it a few years of age and it will be even better.

Wine Advocate

89-91 / 100

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe4/23/2019

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.

Jamessuckling.com

92-93 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe4/12/2019

This is very perfumed with a firm and solid, stony tannin structure. Lovely, linear line through this. Full and tight at the same time.

Jean-Marc QUARIN

87 / 100

byJean-Marc Quarinthe4/8/2019

Decanter Magazine

91 / 100

byJane Ansonthe4/4/2019

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. Harvested between 29 September and 9 October. 3.7pH.

Drinking Window 2025 - 2038

Wine Spectator

89-92 / 100

byJames Molesworththe4/3/2019

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

Vinous

89-92 / 100

byAntonio Gallonithe4/1/2019

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.

Jancis Robinson

15,5 / 20

byJulia Harding MWthe4/1/2019

100% Merlot; 30% new oak. Barrel sample. Inky core with purple rim. Black fruit and dark-chocolate aroma. Rather oaky? Firm extraction giving firm, dry tannins. A little bit tough on the finish. Powerful but a little bit pushed in terms of extraction, I think. (JH) Julia Harding MW

Bettane & Desseauve

15 / 20

by Bettane & Desseauvethe3/1/2019

100% merlot, ce vin possède non seulement du fond, mais également de la fraîcheur avec une finale marquée par une touche saline.