Clos de l'Oratoire Saint-Emilion 2018 - Grand Cru Classé
95/100
Vinous
95/100
Jeb Dunnuck
15,5/20
RVF
16,5/20
Bettane & Desseauve
93/100
Robert Parker
94/100
James Suckling
“A lively Merlot from the sandy soils, the nose, though slightly subdued, reveals a peppery, slightly spicy, and somewhat earthy intensity that lacks a touch of refinement. Quite approachable on the palate, it offers depth with fresh, straightforward tannins and good structure. A wine of remarkable agility in this vintage. ” (The Guide to the Best Wines of France 2022 - RVF) Delivered in a wooden case for any order of 6 bottles of this wine (excluding Pickup Point delivery method)
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Eye
Deep purple
Nose
A fresh bouquet of dark fruit aromas
Palate
Clos de l’Oratoire is a round and supple wine, highly appealing with its powerful fruit aromas and beautiful deep purple color. The Merlot lends it both roundness and opulence, while the Cabernet Franc contributes power, aromatic complexity, and a long finish.
Serve
At 16-18°C
Drink from
2025
Drink before
2035
Guard
Although it can be enjoyed as early as its seventh year, the Clos de l’Oratoire is first and foremost a wine meant for aging.
Food and wine pairings
Pairs well with a rib of beef, confit lamb shanks, duck breast, veal kidneys, or Camembert
Bettane & Desseauve
Wine rated 16.5/20 (Benchmark wine)
Rated estate (2022 guide): 3 stars (High-quality production, setting the standard in its sector)
About the wine:
Fresh, lively tannins with a subtle juiciness that defines the fruit.
About the estate:
Clos de l’Oratoire is, along with Canon La Gaffelière and La Mondotte, the third estate owned by Stephan von Neipperg in Saint-Émilion, and thus receives the same meticulous care. The vineyard, spanning about ten hectares, is located in the northeast of the commune, between Soutard and Balestard, on a terroir rich in clay and limestone that is perfectly suited to Merlot. In recent vintages, the wine has shown steady improvement, with a creamy, tannic style that is highly expressive, featuring a velvety, well-rounded mid-palate. Today, the 2014 vintage, which possesses beautiful volume, retails for around thirty euros, offering good value for money given its quality and that of its peers. The 2016 vintage is particularly successful.
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate
Wine rated (2021 guide) 93/100 (Outstanding wine)
Estate rated "Recommended" (Wine producer recommended by Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate)
About the wine:
The Clos de l'Oratoire 2018 boasts a deep purple-garnet color and a rock-star nose of plum jam, chocolate-coated cherry, and blackberry, along with notes of candied violet, licorice, and Sichuan pepper, with a hint of tapenade. The medium- to full-bodied palate is bursting with juicy black fruit, along with a host of exotic spices and earthy notes, supported by very ripe, soft tannins and consistent freshness, leading to a long, fragrant finish.
RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France
Wine rated (2022 guide) 15,5/20 (Good wine)
Rated estate (2022 guide) Selected (Please note that this guide is a ranking, and as such, all the estates listed here—even those without a star—represent, in our view, the pinnacle of French winemaking.)
About the wine:
A lively Merlot from the sandy soils, the nose is slightly subdued, revealing a peppery, slightly spicy, and somewhat earthy intensity that lacks a touch of refinement. Quite approachable on the palate, it offers depth with fresh, crisp tannins and good structure. A wine of remarkable agility in this vintage.
About the estate:
Located on fairly sandy soil between Soutard, Balestard, and Dassault, Clos de l'Oratoire is undeniably less prestigious than the other two Saint-Émilion crus in the Neipperg portfolio, Canon-la-Gaffelière and La Mondotte. However, it too benefits from the agronomic efforts undertaken by the dashing Count Stefan. Its 13-hectare terroir, however, proves more difficult to convert to organic farming. Consistent and well-rounded, if not complex, the wine in its youth impresses with its intensity and the comfortable roundness of its fruit, often black—blackcurrant, blackberry, and blueberry. It can surprise with age, as the remarkable 2008 vintage demonstrates.
Vinous
Wine rated 95/100
James Suckling
Wine rated (2021 guide) 94/100
Rated: Recommended
About the wine:
Aromas of fresh blackberries, dried leaves, dark chocolate, lemon zest, and nuts. A hint of damp earth as well. It is medium-bodied to full-bodied with firm, refined tannins. Tight, focused layers. A rather juicy wine. Best enjoyed starting in 2025.
Jeb Dunnuck
Wine rated 95/100
Customer rating
3.8/5
based on 4 reviews
Review by Mr. JEAN V. Posted on 11/06/2023
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Review by Mr. GHISLAIN D. Published on May 5, 2023
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Note and review by Mr. CHRISTIAN D. Published on 05/05/2023
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Review by Mr. Gilbert D. Published on December 3, 2022
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