2013 Clos de l'Oratoire
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
This is normally one of the go-to, most consistent wines consumers can look for, given the impeccable ownership and administration by Stephan von Neipperg. The 2013, which was tasted three separate times, is soft and dilute, light, with medium-ruby color, and licorice, olive tapenade and herbaceous notes. It has light tannin and not much concentration or finish. Yields were tiny, at 17 hectoliters per hectare, but that didn’t help produce a wine with concentration in the final blend, which is 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. Drink it over the next 4-5 years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Really constrained nose, but better liveliness on the palate, with juicy red fruit and decent tannin. Ripe but understated and short. Most likely the best possible result given the conditions. (RH)
Dark red cherry, plum, stone fruits, flowers and savory herbs meld together in the 2013 Clos de l'Oratoire. Pliant and expressive, the 2013 is endowed with lovely depth and resonance for the year, although, naturally, the 2013 lacks the depth of the very best vintages. The oak is a bit pronounced at this stage, but that should not be an issue over time. Lavender, violets and sweet spices add nuance to the dark blue/purplish fruit. It will be interesting to see how things develop from here. In 2013, the blend is 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc.