2012 Saintayme, Saint Emilion Grand Cru

Up until 2019 the late great Denis Durantou was the winemaker here. Denis took over his family property Eglise Clinet in the early 1980s and turned it into one of Pomerol’s superstars before turning his hand to making wines in the surrounding appellations. These are now some of the best value wines in all of Bordeaux with incredibly consistent quality, plush ripe fruit and very smooth tannins.

"(100% merlot): Dark purple-ruby. Blueberry, plum, violet and cocoa on the enticing nose. Then bright and juicy on the palate, with suave black fruit and sweet spice flavors carrying through a smooth, lingering finish. There's more flesh here than I generally associate with wines in this price range and vintage... This should make a terrific little wine."  Ian D'Agata, Vinous.com, May 2013