Love the finish to this. It really kicks in with bright acidity, citrus and blackberries and minerals too. This is complex. Full and super silky. Loving it!

It displays loads of Christmas fruitcake, licorice, incense, black cherry and black currant liqueur with some smoky barbecue notes as well as hints of coffee bean and chocolate. Sexy, full-throttle and impossible to resist already, it should continue to drink well for 15 or more years, and I don't anticipate this particular wine closing down. Drink: 2013 - 2028

On a north-facing hillside overlooking Chateau Dassault (that chateau owned by a French aircraft manufacturer), this 25-acre property is another one of the von Neipperg estates, which essentially guarantees high quality, given his commitment to excellence. The 2010 blend of 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc was produced under the consultancy of Stephane Derenoncourt. The wine was picked very late, in mid-October, resulting in beautiful ripeness as well as the precision that is part of 2010's trademark style.
-Robert Parker, Wine Advocate #205 Feb 2013

(92-94 pts)
2010: This has been a wonderfully consistent, satisfying wine since the estate was acquired by Stephan von Neipperg over a decade ago. The 2010 looks to be one of the most powerful and concentrated wines ever made here. Yields were a very modest 30 hectoliters per hectare, and the final blend 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet France achieved a whopping 14.8% natural alcohol. Huge notes of licorice, incense, blackberry and cassis liqueur intermixed with smoke and toast are all present in this full-bodied, opulent, fleshy wine, which has an unctuous texture, super purity, and a long finish. This is a broad, juicy, and savory St.-Emilion that will be drinkable early on and evolve for 12-15+ years.

A blend of 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc, the Clos l’Oratoire has a very opulent bouquet of macerated black cherry, bilberry and a touch of crushed raspberry. The palate has a very sweet entry, a lot of extract here, real grippy tannins, just missing a little tension and freshness towards the masculine finish. Tasted March 2011.

St Emilion Grand Cru Classé [95M/5CF] A chewy,”black fruit” fruit bomb, abundant in everything, strong, super ripe, almost a touch raisiny, and tannic to boot! Eventually an accompaniment to rich, flavoursome food or strong cheeses, in five to seven years say. Subtlety definitely not the aim, nor the point. 2015-25 [M Schuster, Bordeaux Mar/Apr 2011]