Château Saintayme 2025

Fragrant, creamy vanilla floral and red fruit scents on the nose. Juicy and bright with a nice immediate kick of mouthwatering cranberry and salty raspberries plus a chalky, grippy liquorice base. A little tight still with lots of dried herbs and Cabernet aspects – quite streamlined but with purity and focus. First year of Cabernet Franc in the blend from new plantations that over-performed. Ageing 30% new oak. Drinking window: 2028-2036. (Georgina Hindle,decanter.com)