CLOS DE L'ORATOIRE
2018 Grand Cru Classé Saint Emilion
Grapes | Cab Franc, Merlot |
Colour | Red |
Origin | France, Bordeaux |
Sub-district | Saint Emilion & Satellites |
Village | Saint Emilion |
Classification | Grand Cru Classé |
ABV | 14.5% |
85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc. 45% new oak. Woody meaty nose. Cool dark fruit with a mineral edge. Fine grippy tannins. Good concentration but relatively light on its feet. Good job. Drinking range: 2021 - 2032 L&S (Apr 2019)
12 | ||
*Case price discount: Mix any 12 bottles of wine (or 9 litre equivalent) or 6 bottles of Champagne, Spirits, Sweet Wine or Fortified (4.5 litres) to get the discounted 'case price' for each bottle.
The 2018 Clos de l'Oratoire is an absolutely gorgeous wine that needs quite some time to release all of its aromatic intensity, nuance and energy. Bright floral notes soar over a core of dense, red-toned fruit as the 2018 gradually shows off its considerable allure. The 2018 is vivid and striking, with character to burn. Drinking range: 2024 - 2038 Rating: 95 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Mar 2021)
The 2018 Clos de l’Oratoire, matured in 45% new oak, has an open and generous bouquet of blueberry and light cassis scents. I think this has become more refined during its barrel maturation, as I hoped it would. The palate is medium-bodied with a smooth texture, offering blackberry and boysenberry flavors plus tobacco and a sprinkling of white pepper. There is a little compactness toward the finish, so afford this 3–5 years to fully open. Drinking range: 2023 - 2040 Rating: 90 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Mar 2021)
Aromas of fresh blackberries, dried leaves, bitter chocolate, lemon zest and walnuts. Some wet earth, too. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, fine-grained tannins. Tight, focused layers. Rather juicy wine. Better from 2025. Rating: 94 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Feb 2021)
Clos de l'Oratoire
Located on Saint-Émilion's north-east slope, the Clos de l'Oratoire estate dates back to the mid-19th century to the Beylot family, Libourne based négociants. In the 1969 Saint-Émilion reclassification, Clos de l'Oratoire was ranked Grand Cru Classé. The 10.32 hectares of vines grow on clay-limestone and Fronsac molasse on the upper part of the slope, and clay-sand on the lower part of the slope, a terroir which is enitrely suited to the Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grape blend. The average age of vines at Clos de l'Oratoire is 35 years, and grapes are all hand harvested into small crates to avoid bruising. Since 1991, the estate has been under the charge of Comte Stephan von Neipperg, who inherited part of the vineyard from his father Joseph-Hubert, Graf von Neipperg.
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