Clos de l'Oratoire, St Emilion Grand Cru,

Lovely aromatics, with rose petals and tomato leaf, shows sinewy tannin and raspberry puree fruits, charming and thoroughly enjoyable. 47hl/h yield, massal selection now fully underway, with around 10% of the blend from vines dating from the 1950s. Former technical director Gaëlle Barbareau still involved, with Ludovic de Niepperg in charge, no outside consultant. 30% new oak. More clay in the vineyard than in most of this sector of St Emilion, over limestone mother rock, with no till farming across most of the property, and mulching over the rest. Certified organic since 2020.

The 2022 Clos de l'Oratoire is blended of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc and is aging in 30% new oak. Deep garnet-purple in color, it prances out of the glass with gregarious notes of juicy plums and blueberry preserves with underlying hints of kirsch, red roses, and star anise. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is vivacious and fragrant with lovely plush tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long and perfumed.

The 2022 Clos de l'Oratoire was picked from 13-23 September at 47hL/ha and aged in 30% new oak. It has a nicely composed, floral bouquet with red cherries, crushed strawberry and orange rind. Fine delineation. The palate is medium-bodied and well-balanced, with a gentle grip on the entry, grainy tannins and a lively and overly peppery finish that lingers in the mouth. More structured than the d'Aiguilhe, this will merit four to five years in bottle.