Clos de l'Oratoire - Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2016

Wein Wisser

18 / 20

byRené Gabrielthe5/10/2017

Bettane & Desseauve

93 / 100

by Bettane & Desseauvethe5/3/2017

Toucher de tannin soyeux, bouche enjôleuse qui exprime l’énergie du millésime.

Wine Advocate

91-93 / 100

byNeal Martinthe5/2/2017

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.

Vinous

91-94 / 100

byAntonio Gallonithe4/26/2017

The 2016 Clos de l'Oratoire is terrific. Deep, dense and powerful, with more finesse in its tannins than is often the case, the 2016 boasts superb balance. Black cherry, smoke, tar, licorice and incense add to its rich, exotic personality. Plush and unusually supple, this is a real knockout. The tannins are there, but they are nearly buried by the sheer intensity of the fruit. The 2016 is shaping up to be a superb Clos de l'Oratoire. Tasted three times.

matthewjukes.com

17,5 / 20

byMatthew Jukesthe4/25/2017

(90 Merlot, 10 Cabernet Franc) | 45% new oak | 49 hl/ha. Darker, earthier and meatier than many of the more floral wines this is a deeper, more bass note style with spikier tannins and more obvious grainy oak. I have struggled with this wine in the past, but everything in this vintage seems to be in balance so, in time, it will presumably end up being a beautiful beast of a Clos de l’Oratoire! 17.5+

Wine Spectator

92-95 / 100

byJames Molesworththe4/10/2017

Pure and unadorned, with a lovely beam of cassis and cherry compote stretching out, flecked by subtle anise, singed alder and mineral accents. Refined finish.—J.M.

Jamessuckling.com

94-95 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe4/5/2017

Lovely silky tannins and juicy fruit. Medium body and pretty energy. Lots of walnut, crushed-stone and subtle fruit flavors. Very fine.