Clos de l'Oratoire Saint-Emilion 2018 - Grand Cru Classé

Bettane & Desseauve

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 level of care. The vineyard, covering about ten hectares, is located in the northeast of the town, 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 boasts beautiful body—retails for around thirty euros, offering good value for money given its quality and when compared to its peers. The 2016 vintage is particularly successful.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

The 2018 Clos de l'Oratoire boasts a deep purple-garnet color and a rock-star nose of plum jam, chocolate-coated cherries, and blackberries, along with notes of candied violets, licorice, and Sichuan pepper, with a hint of tapenade. The medium- to full-bodied palate is bursting with juicy black fruits, along with a wealth of exotic spices and earthy accents, 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

About the wine:

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. Fairly approachable on the palate, it offers depth with fresh, straightforward tannins and good momentum. A wine of remarkable agility for this vintage.

About the estate:

Located on fairly sandy soil between Soutard, Balestard, and Dassault, the 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 vineyard, however, has proven more difficult to convert to organic farming. Consistent and well-rounded, if not particularly complex, the wine impresses in its youth with its intensity and the comfortable roundness of its fruit—often dark notes of blackcurrant, blackberry, and blueberry. It can surprise as it ages, as demonstrated by the remarkable 2008 vintage.

Vinous

James Suckling

About the wine:

Aromas of fresh blackberries, dried leaves, dark chocolate, lemon zest, and nuts. A hint of damp earth, too. 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