Chateau Clos de L´Oratoire 2021

JAMES SUCKLING: "This has redcurrants, mushrooms, bark and blueberries. Medium-bodied, with a tight and linear character and well-integrated, fine tannins that run the length of the wine. Almost Burgundian in texture. Polished. A blend of 80% merlot and 20% cabernet franc. Give this time to open. Best after 2027."

WEINWISSER: "80 % Merlot, 20 % Cabernet Franc, 47 hl/ha. Feingliedriges blaubeeriges Bouquet, Veilchenparfüm, Graphit und Heidelbeergelee. Am zentrierten Gaumen mit viel Komplexität, stützender Rasse und engmaschigem Körper. Im gebündelten Finale mit Brombeergelee, Lakritze. Absolut rein und klar dieser St.-Émilion von Neipperg."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "With a strong floral, and mint lean to the spicy, red fruits and crushed rocks in the nose, the wine is fresh, supple. ripe and savory. You also find touches of chocolate, cherries, and salty chalk in the mid-palate and in the supple, finish. Drink from 2024-2045."

DECANTER: "Nice floral fragrance on the nose, smooth and supple, the tannins have a soft bounce to them here matched with purity of juicy, lively red berry flavours and a delicious salinity on the palate. I like the combination, feels well worked with the detail on show. It's lightly framed in terms of texture but has depth of flavour. I love the transparency where you get crunch, crispness and saltiness. A pristine quality to this."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "Exhibiting notions of cherries, blackberries and licorice, the 2021 Clos de l'Oratoire is medium to full-bodied, broad and enveloping, with a textural attack, bright acids and a fleshy core of fruit, framed by fine tannins that gently assert themselves on the finish. It's one of the more gourmand, generous wines in the von Neipperg range."

FALSTAFF: "Dunkles Rubingranat, violette Reflexe, breitere Randaufhellung. Schwarze Waldbeeren, ein Hauch von Sanddorn, Nuancen von Lakritze, ein Hauch von Orangenzesten. Saftig, ausgewogen, feine Noten von Erdbeeren, gut integrierte Tannine, mineralisch, mittlere Länge, unkomplizierter Stil."

JEB DUNNUCK: "A blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc raised in 30% new barrels, the 2021 Clos De L'Oratoire is outstanding, with an incredibly floral character in its red fruits, chalky minerality, rose petal, and spicy aromas and flavors. It's medium-bodied, balanced, has nicely integrated acidity, and a great finish. It's not massive by any means, but the balance is spot on, and it's as charming and delicious as they come."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Offers nearly plump blackberry and black cherry compote flavors, with a note of melted licorice. A strong effort for the vintage, this version shows sweet toast that coats the finish, and there's minimal grain. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2030. 3,750 cases made."