2023 Clos de l'Oratoire
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Tasting notes
A blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc raised in 30% new French oak, the 2023 Clos De L'Oratoire offers up red and black fruits, spice, dried flowers, and hints of truffly earth. It's medium-bodied, has a pure, balanced mouthfeel, ripe and polished tannins, and outstanding length. Drink bottles over the coming 20 years or so. Drink 2026-2045.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
William Kelley, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2023 Clos de l'Oratoire is an elegant, sophisticated wine. Silky tannins and lifted aromatics convey finesse. Crushed flowers, mint, red/purplish fruit, graphite and blood orange are finely knit together. Lithe and elegant, Clos de l'Oratoire is a gorgeous Saint-Émilion from the Neipperg family.
The 2023 Clos de l'Oratoire has a fresher and more vital bouquet than the d'Aiguilhe, with blackberry and briar scents, touches of sous-bois and clove. The palate is medium-bodied with more weight on the entry, though not complex overall, and it just misses a little precision toward the finish. Not bad though, so afford this a year in bottle.
Flowers, black raspberries, incense, and licorice fill the nose. On the palate, the wine is supple, creamy, fresh, and vibrant. The fruits show the influence of the Cabernet Franc with their spice, and floral edge. There is lift to the sweet, ripe, round berries on the mid-palate, and in the finish. The wine blends 75% Merlot, with 25% Cabernet Franc.