The 2021 Saintayme is a very pretty, supple wine to drink now and over the next decade. It offers lovely freshness and verve to match its mid-weight personality. Crushed flowers, mint, dried herbs and red berry fruit are some of the notes that grace this vibrant, mid-weight Saint-Émilion. Saintayme can often show a slightly vegetal note, but that is not the case with the 2021, which is pretty remarkable for the year. This was aged 20-25% in tank. Drinking Window: 2025-2038.

December 2023

Cool ruby plum in colour, this has earthy blackberry and blueberry fruit, a gentle touch of grilled cedar and gunsmoke, and the same reserved, measured delivery and mouthwatering finish that I found En Primeur. Enjoyable, no need to wait too long to drink this, I would suggest just a year or two more, and it should then stay in its drinking window for a good decade. Harvest September 28 to October 11. 30% new oak. Drink from 2026-2040.

November 2023

Medium-bodied with a focus on its sweetness, elegance and freshness. The wine quickly focuses you on its cherry profile with an edge of chocolate, touch of spice and a glimpse of licorice on the backend. The wine is made from 100% Merlot. Drink from 2024-2035.

March 2024

Youthfully reserved, the 2021 Saintayme, a 100% Merlot, evokes aromas of dark berries and spices with some green notes. Moderately weighted and round on the palate, the wine is firm and tannic on the finish. The maturation process seems to have made the wine stricter and more tannic than during the en primeur tasting session.

The 2021 Saintayme was picked from September 28 to October 11 and raised in 30% new oak. Kirsch and cranberry jus burst from the glass. The palate is not complex but well balanced, showing a touch of plushness toward the finish. Enjoy this after a couple of years in bottle.

Round, aromatic and gourmand. Chalky freshness and tannins. Lighter weight but pleasure in the fruit and freshness. Drink 2025-2032.

James Lawther MW, May 2022

100% Merlot. Cask sample. Round, aromatic and gourmand. Chalky freshness and tannins. Lighter weight but pleasure in the fruit and freshness. (JL)