Chateau Saintayme 2025

James Suckling: Full-bodied with plenty of flesh and dark fruit throughout. Very attractive richness, with fine-grained, polished tannins that persist through the finish. Solid and unique."

Falstaff: Tiefdunkles Rubingranat, opaker Kern, violette Reflexe, zarte Randaufhellung. Zart floral unterlegte schwarze Kirschenfrucht, feiner Nougat, ein Hauch von Brombeeren, attraktives Bukett. Komplex, kraftvoll, feine Extraktsüße, integrierte Tannine, stoffig und anhaftend, ein saftiger Speisenbegleiter, gutes Reifepotenzial."

Jeb Dunnuck: Coming from cooler limestone soils and harvested between September 10th and 18th, the 2025 Saintayme is still resting in 30% new oak. It sports a deep ruby hue as well as classic aromatics of ripe black raspberries, currants, chalky minerality, graphite, and violets. On the palate, it's rich and medium to full-bodied, with a concentrated mouthfeel and outstanding length. I'd certainly be happy with a case or more in the cellar, and the tannins of the vintage are beautifully managed here."

Jane Anson: You can easily read the terroir here, feel the juice and slate texture of the St Emilion soils, so different from the character of Pomerol in this particular vintage. Here expect rose petals, rose bud, blueberry, saffron, orange peel. Harvest September 10 to 20. 40% new oak. Harvest September 3 to 12, Noemie Durantou winemaker."

Decanter: Fragrant, creamy vanilla floral and red fruit scents on the nose. Juicy and bright with a nice immediate kick of mouthwatering cranberry and salty raspberries plus a chalky, grippy liquorice base. A little tight still with lots of dried herbs and Cabernet aspects - quite streamlined but with purity and focus. First year of Cabernet Franc in the blend from new plantations that over-performed. Ageing 30% new oak."

Lisa Perrotti-Brown: Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2025 Saintayme rolls out of the glass with expressive notes of blackberry pie and preserved plums, followed by hints of garrigue, crushed rocks, and dusty soil. The full-bodied palate is filled with juicy black and blue fruit flavors, supported by plush tannins and a lively line, finishing long and earthy. The blend is 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc-this is the first time Cabernet Franc was used in the blend of this wine, which is usually all Merlot. The alcohol is 14.5%. It is aging in French oak barrels, 30% new."

The Wine Cellar Insider: Medium-bodied, plummy, round, fruity, and creamy, the wine already displays its layers of black cherries, licorice, and chocolate with ease, finishing with freshness, and good energy. This will be ready-to-go on release and age for 15 or more years after that. The wine is produced from 80% Merlot, with 20% Cabernet Franc.14.5% ABV. Drink from 2028-2042."