Description
Saintayme in St. Emilion is the property of Denis Durantou. Denis Durantou is best known for producing one of the best wines in the Pomerol appellation with Chateau Leglise Clinet. The vineyard of Saintayme is located in the increasingly popular commune of Saint Etienne de Lisse. The cooler soils of that sector are also the home for Valandraud and Chateau Fleur Cardinale . The vines of Saintayme are in on a single plot. The terroir is limestone, clay and gravel soils, similar to what you find at many top Saint Emilion vineyards. The vineyard is planted to Merlot and Cabernet Franc . However, most of the vineyard is planted to Merlot grapes. On average, the vineyard is planted to a vine density of 6,000 vines per hectare.
Tasting notes
The 2015 Saintayme is pure Merlot picked between 29 September and 9 October, cropped at 45 hl/ha and raised in 30% new oak. It has a gorgeous bouquet with blackberry and cranberry fruit, a touch of vanilla emanating from the new oak that is nicely integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with good depth, a “solid” Saintayme, a pleasant chewiness with a feisty dark berry, licorice-tinged finish. This comes recommended – a fine Saint Emilion from the hands of Denis Durantou. [90-92 Points, Neal Martin – April 2016, robertparker.com]
