Clos l'Oratoire 2016

Wine Spectator

Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider

VertdeVin

The nose is fruity, concentrated and offers freshness as well as intensity / density. It reveals notes of fleshy boysenberry, crushed raspberry and small notes of almond / hazelnut, touches of cassis associated with discreet hints of tonka bean, spices and oak. The palate is fruity, mineral, well-balanced and offers a good definition, a slight mineral frame, a beautiful finesse, suavity, a small fat, a good dimension (width, depthness) as well as an acidulous frame. On the palate this wine expresses notes of fresh / juicy blackberry and small notes of cassis, wild raspberry, small crunchy berries associated with fine touches of tonka bean, wood, caramelization and spices. Tannins are fine and a bit firm. Small racy / saline minerality on the finish.

James Suckling

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.

Robert Parker Wine Advocate

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.