Saintayme 2019

This is the last vintage produced by the legendary winemaker of Pomerol, Denis Durantou of Château L’Eglise Clinet, who unfortunately passed away in May 2020.

Denis Durantou was a colorful figure from the tiny village of Pomerol. For years, he refused to travel to meet customers or hold international tastings to promote his wine, famously saying "a chef should stay in the kitchen." His more famous wine, Château L’Eglise Clinet, is considered one of the top Pomerol stars.  It eventually led fans and wine buyers to his door. His remarks on Les Cruzelles in Lalande-de-Pomerol is very revealing: "if we were in Burgundy it would be called a monopole, as I have the entirety of the 0.5ha plot". Half a hectare (barely an acre) is a tiny plot!

"There was water when it was needed from July to September, a rapid flowering, cool nights, colour change which varied according to the grape varieties but which was homogeneous overall, and a harvest in fine dry conditions. Everything is great in 2019!2019 Saintem Saintayme (St Emilion Grand Cru) is 100% Merlot. The Merlot was picked between the 1st of October and the 4th of October. 14.50% ALC. New oak: 30%."

"A red with lovely, juicy character and plenty of ripe fruit and chocolate undertones. It’s rich and layered. Flavorful. More concentration than the 2018." - James Suckling, Ratings: 93-94