2016 Clos de l'Oratoire
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Tasting notes
The 2016 Clos de l'Oratoire is comparatively conservative on the nose: earthy red berry fruit, black tea leaves, mint and a little cassis that surfaces with time. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe tannins, quite peppery, almost Bandol-like (I am assuming there is no Mourvèdre here!), though it is still attractive in that style and it possesses impressive persistence on the aftertaste. Tasted blind at the Southwold 10-Year-On tasting.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Wine Spectator
More reviews and scores
Tasted blind. Dark garnet. High toned. Lots of char and sour candied violets. Very pinched finish. Overdone. (JR)
The 2016 Clos de l’Oratoire did not show well out of barrel but finally appears more knitted together. It has one of the most discreet aromatic profiles of the flight, featuring dark berry fruit with perfumed incense and iris, all very focused and harmonious. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannins. This feels bold and structured yet retains balance and delineation. It deserves a much higher score. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.
Tasted blind. Bright lustrous crimson. Pinched tannins. Not fully ripe fruit? There is good quality fruit here but I think it may have been picked too early. Shame. (JR)