Clos de L'Oratoire 2016
- Vintage
- 2016
- Country
- France
- Region
- Bordeaux,St Emilion
- Size
- 750ml
- Rating
- JS96, VAG96, WS93, WA93
- Grape
- Merlot,Cabernet Franc
The aromas are very decadent with white truffle, dark berries and wet earth. Dense raspberries. Full-bodied, it grows on the palate with fantastic chewy tannins that are polished and intense. Like a beautifully formed wave in texture. Try in 2022. - JS96
The 2016 Clos de l'Oratoire is dense, resonant, but also quite closed in on itself. Black cherry, plum, chocolate, licorice and smoke all meld together in this super-expressive, layered Saint-Émilion. In 2016, Clos de l'Oratoire is quite understated and shows more of an emphasis on freshness than in the past, typical of all the Stephan von Neipperg's wines today. Tasted two times.- VAG96
Fresh, bright and engaging, with damson plum, raspberry and cherry pâte de fruit notes bouncing along, laced with red licorice details and backed by a light Black Forest cake accent on the juicy finish. This seems like it’s all fruit but the lovely cut and floral persistence through the finish imparts an elegant hint. Drink now through 2033. - WS93
The 2016 Clos de l'Oratoire is a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc that was picked between 10-17 October and matured in 45% new oak. It has a fresh, perfumed and floral bouquet, with pressed rose petals infusing the red cherry and crushed strawberry fruit. There is a sense of airiness here that I like. The palate is medium-bodied with firm, slightly grainy tannin, hints of tobacco and leather complementing the black fruit with a welcome soupçon of austerity towards the masculine finish. Excellent. Drink:2021~2040 - WA91-93
Clos de l'Oratoire is located on Saint-Emilion's north-east slope. The 10.32 hectares of vines grow on Fronsac molasse covering a layer of sand with a clay subsoil.
This terroir is ideally suited to the blend of Merlot (90%), Cabernet Franc (5%), and Cabernet Sauvignon (5%) grapes. Merlot contributes roundness and opulence to the wine, whereas Cabernet Franc is responsible for power, aromatic complexity, and length.
With its pronounced fruity aromas and beautiful deep crimson colour, Clos de l'Oratoire is a smooth, soft, very seductive wine. Despite its tremendous ageing potential, Clos de l'Oratoire is nevertheless enjoyable seven years after the vintage.