2019 Saintayme (St-Emilion)

The 2019 Saintayme has calmed down nicely since I tasted the barrel sample, still outgoing in some ways yet displaying fine delineation and a tad more terroir expression. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins on the entry, quite sapid for this cuvée, and lightly spiced, leading to a structured finish. Don’t hesitate to leave this in bottle for a couple of years. 91 points

Black chocolate, baked earth, liquorice root and silky smooth tannins greet you on the first attack of this wine. I`ve never found this the easiest to love of the Durantou range but it is strikingly successful in 2019. Silky and yet slatey in texture, this both eases you through the palate and pulls you up short, slowing things down. Sparks of fresh minerality accompany the pulsing blueberry and raspberry fruits, and the juicy finish makes this one to look out for. 94 points

Produced by Denis Darantou and family of Château L’Eglise-Clinet, made from 100% Merlot, the 2019 Saintayme has a deep garnet-purple color. It explodes from the glass with bombastic notes of stewed plums, baked black cherries and fruitcake with hints of mocha, unsmoked cigars and fragrant soil plus a waft of Chinese five spice. Medium to full-bodied, rich and decadent in the mouth, it has a solid foundation of chewy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing spicy. 89-91 points

Accent on the fruit with pure, dark- and red-berry aromas and flavour. Chalky tannins behind. Firm, dry finish. A little dusty but the fruit stays. 16 points