Clos de l'Oratoire - Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2013

Wine Spectator

90 / 100

the3/31/2016

Jamessuckling.com

91 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe2/15/2016

A delicate and very fine red from the 2013 vintage. Lovely subtle sweet berry and hints of chocolate and stone on the palate. Medium to full body, silky texture. Drink or hold.

Wine Advocate

84-86 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe8/29/2014

This is normally one of the go-to, most consistent wines consumers can look for, given the impeccable ownership and administration by Stephan von Neipperg. The 2013, which was tasted three separate times, is soft and dilute, light, with medium-ruby color, and licorice, olive tapenade and herbaceous notes. It has light tannin and not much concentration or finish. Yields were tiny, at 17 hectoliters per hectare, but that didn’t help produce a wine with concentration in the final blend, which is 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. Drink it over the next 4-5 years.

matthewjukes.com

16 / 20

byMatthew Jukesthe4/23/2014

(95 Merlot, 5 Cabernet Franc) 55% new oak. Structured and noble with a long finish and decent balance. There is a nice dusting of spice and even some peppery notes, too, which while unexpected are not unattractive. Dry on the finish but not harsh.

Jancis Robinson

15,5 / 20

byRichard Hemmingsthe4/22/2014

Really constrained nose, but better liveliness on the palate, with juicy red fruit and decent tannin. Ripe but understated and short. Most likely the best possible result given the conditions.

Vinous

89-92 / 100

byAntonio Gallonithe4/18/2014

Dark red cherry, plum, stone fruits, flowers and savory herbs meld together in the 2013 Clos de l'Oratoire. Pliant and expressive, the 2013 is endowed with lovely depth and resonance for the year, although, naturally, the 2013 lacks the depth of the very best vintages. The oak is a bit pronounced at this stage, but that should not be an issue over time. Lavender, violets and sweet spices add nuance to the dark blue/purplish fruit. It will be interesting to see how things develop from here. In 2013, the blend is 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc.

Decanter.com

16 / 20

bySteven Spurrierthe4/15/2014

Sweet, round and supple. Little toasted oak apparent. Less power but firm, fine structure

My Bettane + Desseauve

15,5 / 20

the4/15/2014

Gras et puissant, avec de la nervosité. Pas surfin, mais incontestablement intense.

Wine Advocate

87-89 / 100

byNeal Martinthe4/15/2014

The Clos l'Oratoire 2013 is a blend of 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc picked from 6 to 10 October. It has a pure and Burgundy-like bouquet that is floral and perfumed. The palate is medium-bodied with light tannins, forming an easy drinking and slightly pointed Saint Emilion with a fine citric edge, if not the length of previous vintages.

Wine Spectator

88-91 / 100

byJames Molesworththe4/3/2014

Lively, with pomegranate and cherry notes backed by a perky blood orange hint, giving way to high-toned spice accents on the juicy finish. Fresh and engaging. —J.M.

René Gabriel

17 / 20

byRené Gabrielthe4/3/2014

Dunkles Granat, rubiner Rand. Süsses, etwas kompottig wirkendes Bouquet, feine Mokkanoten dahinter. Im Gaumen mit einer faszinierenden Frucht, vermischt mit Veilchennuancen, zeigt eine deutlich konzentrierte Note im Extrakt, angenehmes Finale.