2020 Clos de l`Oratoire (St-Emilion)

Confident and grippy with liquorice, cherry, rosemary, dried herbs and chocolate. It lifts and tightens through the plate, good tension, broad-shouldered, powerful and intense. 40% new oak. A yield of 32.5hl/ha. 92 points

The 2020 Clos de l’Oratoire is very cohesive on the nose of plush blackberry, raspberry, melted tar and light licorice scents, the latter becoming more vocal with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied and quite firm and structured, with gentle grip on the entry and good acidity. Tightens up toward a finish that doesn’t want to give everything away at this prenatal stage. Give this 3–4 years once in bottle. because it has long-term potential. 89-91 points

Lightly herbal, Cabernet Franc wild rose to smell; very nicely balanced, full, elegant, stylish wine, fresh and very finely tannic; ripe in dark, black-cherry fruit and with excellent length. Long, easy, graceful wine, drinkable from relatively early on. Drink 2023–33+. 89–90 points