2010 Clos de l'Oratoire des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape
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Tasting notes
The 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Clos de l’Oratoire, a blend of 80% Grenache and the rest equal parts Syrah, Mourvedre and Cinsault aged in foudres (some of the Syrah is kept in new oak), exhibits a deep ruby/purple hue along with rich black raspberry and berry fruit intermixed with a notion of Asian spice. Seductive, medium to full-bodied and pure, this classic Provencal wine is slightly more evolved and forward than most 2010s. Drink it over the next 7-10 years. I am listing these Ogier offerings under a separate heading since they are wines from individual estates owned by the Ogier firm. Ogier’s top estate, Clos de l’Oratoire, has a history dating back to the 19th century. It was sold in 2000 by the original family owners, the Amouroux family, to the large Ogier concern. Quality has not suffered as a result as the wines have seemingly gotten stronger and more consistent. Importer: Cannon Wines Ltd., San Francisco, CA; tel. (415) 394-6454
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
80% Grenache, 9% Syrah, 6% Mourvèdre and 5% Cinsault. The vineyard has an average vine age of 40 years. The harvest was carried out completely by hand during September. Following sorting, the grapes are de-stemmed, crushed and cold-soaked prior to a traditional fermentation at around 27 °C for four weeks with regular pumping over. Once racked, the wine is aged in 30 year old large oak foudres (60-80 hl each) for 12 months. Due to climatic conditions the yield for the 2010 vintage was only 27 hl/ha compared to the more usual 35 hl/ha. Liquorice and spice. Round and sweet. But not as luscious as many – a little astringent. (JR)
A traditional blend of 80% Grenache, 8% Syrah, 7% Mourvedre, and 5% Cinsault that is aged primarily in foudre, the 2010 Clos de l'Oratoire des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a beauty that will delight old school CDP lovers. Loaded with ripe Grenache fruit, pepper, leather, leafy herbs, and crushed stone-like aromas and flavors, this structured 2010 has solid concentration, a firm core of fruit, and building tannin. It is textbook stuff that will benefit from 1-3 years of bottle age and drink well for 10-12 years.
12 months in oak barrels. Juicy nose then a tight, tannic palate. Spicy, full, fragrant. Does the job. (RH)