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Saintayme in Saint-Émilion is a place where Merlot shines like it was always meant to. If you’ve ever experienced the exceptional wines of Château L'Eglise-Clinet, you’re already familiar with the genius of Denis Durantou – one of the brightest stars of the Right Bank. But let’s talk about Saintayme. This is a property that Denis Durantou acquired with a clear vision – to make a wine that not only honors Saint-Émilion’s heritage but elevates it. 

This isn’t just any Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. Saintayme is planted in a single, prized parcel of limestone, clay, and gravel soils, where the vines have been lovingly nurtured for nearly 35 years. It’s a place where Merlot – the star grape of the Right Bank – gets all the space it needs to express itself in the most elegant way possible. With almost 100% Merlot, it’s a bold statement, yet the small splash of Cabernet Franc adds just the right amount of complexity. These old vines, planted at a density of 6,000 vines per hectare, are some of the most well-established in the area, soaking up every bit of the unique terroir from the increasingly popular commune of Saint-Étienne-de-Lisse. If you know your Bordeaux, this is the kind of terroir where the magic happens.

The 2022 vintage is nothing short of spectacular. The wine is vinified by the same technical team that works with all of Denis Durantou’s wines – these are the same hands that shape the world-class wines of Château L'Eglise-Clinet. Everything is done with the utmost care, using small, temperature-controlled stainless steel vats that preserve the purity and freshness of the Merlot, allowing it to shine without any interference.

What makes this wine stand out? It’s not just the vineyard, or the fact that it’s crafted by one of the most respected winemakers in Bordeaux. It’s the purity of the Merlot, the elegance of the terroir, and the exceptional quality that Denis Durantou’s team brings to every bottle. This is a wine that combines all the best aspects of Saint-Émilion – depth, complexity, and sheer beauty – and it’s available for you to enjoy now.

2022 was an extraordinary vintage for Bordeaux, it was blessed with a 97 pt review by Wine Spectator who said: "A beautiful vintage. Merlot berries were small and concentrated; Cabernet Franc also relished the conditions. Wines are very aromatic and sleek, with Pomerol and St.-Emilion excelling"

100% Merlot.

This is a solid and structured Saintayme, with lots of terracotta and dark fruits on the nose and palate. It's medium- to full-bodied with a fine, chewy tannin backbone and a flavorful finish. Impressive. Pure merlot. Drink after 2028. ~94 James Suckling

Absolutely rare in the clear and bright profile, it recalls black cherries, red plums, wild strawberries, cherries and elderflowers. Full body, perfectly ripe and smooth tannins and a finish of great depth and Mediterranean flavor. Better from 2027. ~94 WinesCritic.com

Plenty of depth on the nose here, not easy in a vintage where alcohols run high, that can cut off aromatics and terroir expression. Enjoyable, reserved, great quality, love the limestone scrap, plenty of character, touch of floral notes that underline a rise through the palate. Takes its time. 30% new oak, harvest September 17 to October 3. Tasted twice. ~93 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux

The 2022 Saintayme is made from 100% Merlot, aged in French oak, 30% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, it comes bounding out with eager to please notes of baked blackberries, boysenberry preserves and Indian spices, plus maturing fruit hints of unsmoked cigars, new leather and menthol. The full-bodied palate is velvety and juicy with exotic spices accents and just enough freshness, finishing opulent. ~92 The Wine Palate

Seductive notes of crushed plum and boysenberry puree take the lead, with the silky structure, kisses of toast and anise, and fresh violet detail all enhancing the background. Drink now through 2035. 5,600 cases made. ~91 Wine Spectator

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