critic reviews
Deep garnet-purple colored. Features notes of juicy black and red plums and mulberries, leading to hints of black pepper, underbrush, and damp soil. The light to medium-bodied palate delivers a sturdy texture of lightly chewy tannins with bags of freshness and a peppery lift on the finish.
The 2024 Clos de l'Oratoire was picked September 24 to October 8 at 40 hl/ha and matured in 25% new oak. It has a light bouquet with briar, cranberry pencil box aromas. This at least has more character and presence than the Clos Marsalette or d'Aiguilhe. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red fruit and delicate tannins, though it does attenuate toward the finish and leaves you wanting more.
Black cherry puree on the opening, fresh pomegranate and orange peel, oyster shell salinity comes in pretty strongly halfway through. Great quality, with lift and falls on the right side of austere. Harvest 24 September to 8 October. 40 hl/ha. 25% new oak, 14ha of vines, limestone plateau plus clay limestone slopes.
A blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, the 2024 Clos de l'Oratoire reveals aromas of cassis, dark berries and spices intertwined with stemmy notes. Medium-bodied, firm and lively, it's framed by brittle tannins and an energetic finish. While not as dense as previous vintages, it retains a punchy personality that speaks well of the vintages freshness.