2021 Clos de l'Oratoire
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Tasting notes
This has redcurrants, mushrooms, bark and blueberries. Medium-bodied, with a tight and linear character and well-integrated, fine tannins that run the length of the wine. Almost Burgundian in texture. Polished. A blend of 80% merlot and 20% cabernet franc. Give this time to open.
Critic scores
Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
A blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc raised in 30% new barrels, the 2021 Clos De L'Oratoire is outstanding, with an incredibly floral character in its red fruits, chalky minerality, rose petal, and spicy aromas and flavors. It's medium-bodied, balanced, has nicely integrated acidity, and a great finish. It's not massive by any means, but the balance is spot on, and it's as charming and delicious as they come.
The 2021 Clos de l'Oratoire has a straightforward nose of red and black fruit, quite compact and herbaceous at the moment. The palate is medium-bodied with an austere entry and fine acidity, quite "bony" in style with a welcome touch of black pepper on the finish. But, it does feel a little hard at the moment and needs more flesh to develop.