2020 Château Saintem (Saintayme)

The 2020 Saintayme is every bit as charming as it was en primeur. Racy and layered in the glass, this mid-weight Saint-Émilion is quite open and accessible today. Crushed red berry fruit, spice, white pepper, rose petal and a touch of new oak are all nicely put together. I would give this a few years to come together, as the tannins are a bit nervy today. There's terrific energy and vibrancy here. Pretty floral accents liven up the finish.

- Antonio Galloni (12/2022)

Orange peel and fruit with chocolate. Medium-bodied with round and polished tannins. Very pretty fruit and finesse. So pretty. Drink or hold. (03/2023)

Based on 100% Merlot, the 2020 Saintayme showed well, offering up lots of red and black fruits, graphite, and dried herbs. Slightly closed and backward, it opens up with air and is medium-bodied, has good mid-palate density, and firmer tannins on the finish. Based on 100% Merlot, it's going to benefit from just a year or two in the cellar and will put a smile on your face any time over the following 7-8 year. This is a perennial terrific value. (03/2023)

The 2020 Saintayme, 100% Merlot, is deep garnet-purple in color. It comes bounding out of the glass with playful scents of crushed black and red cherries, wild blueberries, and baking spice, plus hints of chocolate box and fragrant soil. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers muscular black fruits with a firm, grainy texture and plenty of freshness, finishing savory. (03/2023)