Saintayme

Denis Durantou, from L'Eglise Clinet and one of the most influential names in the wine world on the Right Bank and especially in the Pomerol region, produces Saintayme from the fruit of 35-year-old Merlot vines growing in a 9-hectare vineyard in Saint Etienne de Lisse, home to big names such as Château Valandraud and Fleur Cardinale.

The vines grow in a meticulously cared-for plot of fresh clay soil over limestone and produce a yield of less than 5,000 litres per hectare. Once the wine has been vinified in small stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature, it then ages in French oak (at least 30% new) barrels for around 14 months.

This Saint-Émilion Grand Cru is a promising young wine which will only improve over the next 5 years, even though today it is already surprisingly accessible and delicious. An excellent Merlot, ideal for fans of this variety, it is sweet, flexible and brimming with fruit – a splendid wine for a great price.