Clos de l'Oratoire 2024

Luminous ruby red; on the nose almost Burgundy-like, finely spicy, with radiant fruit, subtle roasted notes, cherries, currants; straightforward on the palate, prominent tannins wrap around the fruit, the wine shows breed and structure, fresh and peppery on the finish. An extremely elegant Clos de l'Oratoire, built for medium-term aging.

Perfumed blackcurrant fruit on the nose, inky blue tones, some salty minerality and touches of vanilla and clove. Bright but quite lean and mineral straight away, this has a good structure, filling with a really chalky texture. It feels concentrated and the flavour linger a long time on the finish - blackcurrant, plum and soft cedar spices. It’s super approachable and juicy to begin with then a tiny bit strict on the finish. Again, there’s precision and focus but this needs to soften a touch more. Livelines is there. Ends salty. Ageing 25% new oak barrels.

80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc. 40 hl/ha. Certified organic. Cask sample. Fragrant red-berry fruit with a slightly herbaceous edge. Light on the mid palate, the finish drying. (JL)

Chocolaty plums, flowers, tobacco, and red pit fruits fill the nose. Medium-bodied, elegant, and fresh, on the palate the wine focuses on its core of vibrant red berries, sweetness, and lift on the mid-palate and into the finish. The wine blends 80% Merlot with 20% Cabernet Franc. 13% ABV. Drink from 2027–2038. 90–92 pts

A balanced nose combining red-pit fruits, fruit coulis, a meaty touch and notes of aromatic herbs. On the palate, tension takes the lead: energy is lively, the structure finely chiselled, with vibrant, nervy dark fruit. Attractive bitters emerge on the finish.

Black cherry puree on the opening, fresh pomegranate and orange peel, oyster shell salinity comes in pretty strongly halfway through. Great quality, with lift and falls on the right side of austere. Harvest 24 September to 8 October. 40 hl/ha. 25% new oak, 14ha of vines, limestone plateau plus clay limestone slopes.