critic reviews
This is 100% Merlot as always, and the élevage was in 30% new oak. This has confident and forward fruit expression on the nose, all blackberry, blueberry and cherry, with a desiccated edge, and a touch of toasty warmth. A polished, modest substance on the palate, medium-bodied with a rich core of dark summer fruits, concentrated with a touch of confit depth, and a rich backbone of finely knit tannins. A robust example of the appellation, with powdery and chalky substance, and a energy which will need only a handful of years in bottle to bed in. Tasted twice. The alcohol is 14.4% on analysis.
Plenty of depth on the nose here, not easy in a vintage where alcohols run high, that can cut off aromatics and terroir expression. Enjoyable, reserved, great quality, love the limestone scrap, plenty of character, touch of floral notes that underline a rise through the palate. Takes its time. 30% new oak, harvest September 17 to October 3. Tasted twice.
The 2022 Saintayme conveys a sense of joy on the nose, with finely delineated vivacious black cherries, wild strawberry and a hint of cola. The medium-bodied palate is well balanced and quite elegant in style, with more black than red fruit, grainy tannins and a touch of white pepper on the finish. It feels malleable in the mouth and will drink slightly earlier than I expected out of barrel.
From a later-ripening site in Saint-Etienne-de-Lisse, the 2022 Saintayme was picked between September 17 and October 3. Offering up a rich aromatic palette featuring aromas of rich cherries, berries, licorice and toasty oak, it's medium to full-bodied, broad and concentrated, with youthfully firm, chalky tannins that assert themselves on the finish.