Clos de l'Oratoire 2008

The 2008 Clos de l'Oratoire (13.5% natural alcohol, and the same blend) is brilliant, a top-notch effort for the vintage. From the estate's 25-acre vineyard planted on clay and limestone soils, this wine has a dense plum/purple color and a sweet kiss of mulberry, black cherry and cassis, with some subtle barbecue smoke and leafy underbrush notes. Medium to full-bodied, opulent and fleshy, this wine (Stephane Derenoncourt is the consultant) is already drinking beautifully and will continue to do so for 10 or more years.

Tasted ex-château and single blind in Southwold. The Clos de l'Oratoire 2008 has an attractive, understate bouquet with a touch of crushed stone and liquorice, nicely defined with mineralité coming through. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, good fruit concentration and a refined finish. This seems to be opening up nicely. Tasted January 2012.

Displays blackberry and milk chocolate on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied, with lovely berry and vanilla character and a medium finish

Although yields were a low 29 hectoliters per hectare, and the final blend was 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc, this 2008 does not appear to be one of the top 3 or 4 Clos de l-Oratoires made since the estate was acquired by Stefan von Neipperg. That said, aromas of roasted Provencal herbs, licorice, black cherries, and black currants are enthralling. The wine possesses a deep ruby/purple color, beautiful sweetness, and excellent ripeness, but not the profound depth, intensity, or overall length of the vintage's finest wines. It should drink nicely for 10 years