2023 Chateau Saintayme Grand Cru

2023 Chateau Saintayme Grand Cru

This wine is a steal for what’s in the bottle. This was a find that we were lucky to get our hands on. Denis Durantou can only be described as a Master Bordeaux Winemaker. He is one of the very few rock stars in Bordeaux, whatever he makes turn to gold. He has mastered all the great appellations. His 2012 Chateau L’Eglise Clinet was the only wine from the vintage to score 100pts by Parker. Today I bring to you Mr. Durantou’s personal property from St Emilion, his pride and joy from the strong 2023 vintage. The 2023 Chateau Saintayme Grand Cru is an absolutely glorious Bordeaux that has received excellent press in its own right. The 2023 vintage for Bordeaux, St Emilion received a massive 95pts by Parker’s WA for the vintage and is being compared to greats like 2009 and 1989 showy wines that invite back into the glass time and again. The wine is also a great value from such a great vintage and such a great winemaker. The wine is starting to drink and to enjoy over the next ten years, a fleshy style of St Emilion, black fruits, hints of smoke and kirsch. 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 one single plot. The terroir is limestone, clay and gravel soils. The wine of Saintayme is produced by the same team that makes all the wines for Denis Durantou.  This wine is a wow! I have thirty cases to offer. This is a no-brainer buy for those looking for Bordeaux of the highest caliber at a great price!

Emerging from the talents of Denis Durantou, the 2023 Saintayme should be snatched up by readers who want a brilliant, delicious Bordeaux to enjoy over the coming decade. Very pretty and subtle aromas and flavors of plums, berries, light chocolate and some crushed stones. Medium-bodied with round and caressing tannins and a juicy, savory finish. Plush and delicious. 100% merlot. Drink or hold. 94pts JD  
The 2023 Saintayme turned out beautifully. Aromatic, gracious and super expressive, Saintayme is total sensuality. Sweet, perfumed floral notes and a touch of citrus lift a core of brilliant red-toned fruit. Notable brightness and tension suggest that 2023 will enjoy a very positive evolution for the next decade or so.93pts Vinous