Emerging from the talents of Denis Durantou, the 100% Merlot 2018 Saintayme should be snatched up by readers who want a brilliant, delicious Bordeaux to enjoy over the coming decade. Terrific notes of black cherries, kirsch, flowery incense, cedarwood, and tobacco all define the bouquet, and it's medium to full-bodied and beautifully balanced, with silky tannins and a ripe, hedonistic, yet balanced style that's a joy to drink.

Aromas of blackberries, chocolate, cherries, pine needles and bark follow through to a medium to full body with refined tannins and a juicy, nicely fruity finish. Try after 2024.

Denis Durantou's 2018 Saintayme is especially fine in 2018. Bright, floral and energetic, Saintayme really shines. In fact, I can't remember a recent vintage with this much finesse. The tannins need time to soften, but there is plenty of radiant fruit waiting to emerge. I won't be surprised if the finished wine is even better than this note suggests. Tasted two times.

Produced by Denis Durantou of Château L'Eglise Clinet, the 2018 Saintayme is made of 100% Merlot with 30% new oak and 14.5% alcohol. Deep garnet-purple colored, it bursts from the glass with plum preserves, crushed blackberries and chocolate-covered cherries with hints of lavender, unsmoked cigar and fragrant earth. Medium to full-bodied, the palate reveals beautiful freshness and elegance with soft tannins and loads of mineral sparks on the finish.

Warm plum sauce and raspberry reduction flavors give this a lush and seductive feel, with well-embedded apple wood and anise notes adding detail on the polished finish. Drink now through 2028. 3,916 cases made.