The 2022 Clos de l`Oratoire is a gorgeous, sensual wine. At the same time, it is quite the powerhouse. The 2022 is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, so a bit more Franc than was once the norm. That, along with earlier picking, has brought added aromatic intensity and structure. Rose petal, dried herbs, orange peel, mint and sage play off a core of dark red-toned fruit. Give this time. 95 points

The 2022 Clos de l`Oratoire includes fully 20% Cabernet Franc this year, which has brought more depth and structure to the blend. Offering up aromas of dark berries and plums mingled with vine smoke, petals and sweet soil tones, it`s medium to full-bodied, fleshy and vibrant, with a sweet core of fruit, powdery tannins and a long, saline finish. 92-94 points

Lovely aromatics, with rose petals and tomato leaf, shows sinewy tannin and raspberry puree fruits, charming and thoroughly enjoyable. 47hl/h yield, massal selection now fully underway, with around 10% of the blend from vines dating from the 1950s. Former technical director Gaelle Barbareau still involved, with Ludovic de Niepperg in charge, no outside consultant. 30% new oak. More clay in the vineyard than in most of this sector of St Emilion, over limestone mother rock, with no till farming across most of the property, and mulching over the rest. Certified organic since 2020. 93 points

The 2022 Clos de l`Oratoire was picked from 13-23 September at 47hL/ha and aged in 30% new oak. It has a nicely composed, floral bouquet with red cherries, crushed strawberry and orange rind. Fine delineation. The palate is medium-bodied and well-balanced, with a gentle grip on the entry, grainy tannins and a lively and overly peppery finish that lingers in the mouth. More structured than the d`Aiguilhe, this will merit four to five years in bottle. 90-92 points