2023 Saintayme (St-Emilion)

Medium intensity ruby, austere tannins on the opening, this has lemongrass and slate, juicy raspberry and grilled spice notes, slow and steady unrolling through the palate. Plenty to love. 92 points

The 2023 Saintayme, 100% Merlot, is a deep, serious wine. There`s a real core of inner strength here. Dark red fruit, cedar, spice and dried flowers open with some coaxing, but the 2023 impresses most with its overall poise. Pretty floral overtones add brightness. The 2023 is a very fine Saintayme. 91-93 points

A 100% Merlot, the 2023 Saintayme evokes aromas of dark wild berries, mulberries, licorice and pencil lead, followed by a round, supple and juicy palate with a fleshy core of fruit and dense, rich tannins that assert themselves with a structured finish. 88-90 points

The 2023 Saintayme is pure Merlot, as usual, picked between September 27 and October 4 and matured in 30% new oak. This is quite lush on the nose with black plum and light blueberry scents and fine purity. It clocks in at 14.6% alcohol, but that is nicely disguised. The palate is medium-bodied with a slightly powdery texture, moderate weight and good balance. There’s perhaps slightly less complexity on the finish compared to the 2022 at this stage last year. 89-91 points