Winery: Denis Durantou

Country / Region: France / Bordeaux – Pauillac

Date Winery was established: 1850

Alcohol Content / Volume: 14.5% / 750ml

Grape Variety: Merlot

First Vintage Released: 1922

Ratings: 92 pts. The Wine Independent

Good to know: Produced under the expert direction of the late Denis Durantou—the visionary winemaker behind Pomerol's legendary Château L'Église-Clinet—Saintem (also written as Saintayme) represents one of the best value hidden gems in Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. Sourced from a dedicated nine-hectare parcel of mature 35-year-old vines in Saint-Étienne-de-Lisse, the wine benefits from the same uncompromising standards and precision winemaking as Durantou's top Pomerol estates, bringing elite Right Bank craftsmanship to a broader audience.

Château Saintayme 2017 is a 100% Merlot Saint‑Émilion Grand Cru crafted by the late Denis Durantou (of L’Église‑Clinet fame) from a 9 ha plot in Saint‑Étienne‑de‑Lisse. In the glass it shows a medium to deep garnet-purple color, unveiling vibrant aromas of black cherries, mulberries, rosehip tea, cocoa, spice box, and hints of truffle and smoke ([lagunacellar.com][1]). On the palate, it’s medium-bodied with plush, ripe red and black fruit, soft yet structured tannins, spicy undertones, and a refreshing lift that leads to a rich, elegant finish . Critics scored it between 90–93 points (including RP90, JS93–94, Vinous 89–92), noting its immediate accessibility and solid aging potential through the late 2020s . Refined, balanced, and expressive, it’s a standout vintage that offers Burgundy-like finesse at a remarkable value.