The product image is for illustrative purposes only and may not exactly reflect the actual characteristics of the wine. Clos de l'Oratoire Clos de l'Oratoire 2018 75clGrand Cru Classé | St. Emilion | Bordeaux | FranceSold outSize 75 clAll vintages 1982 1995 1996 2015 2016 2018 2020 2021 2023 2025 Critics scores 94 James SucklingAromas of fresh blackberries, dried leaves, bitter chocolate, lemon zest and walnuts. Some wet earth, too. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, fine-grained tannins. Tight, focused layers. Rather juicy wine. Better from 2025.93 Robert ParkerThe 2018 Clos de l'Oratoire sports a deep garnet-purple color and rock-star nose of plum preserves, chocolate-covered cherries and mulberries, plus hints of candied violets, licorice and Sichuan pepper with a waft of tapenade. The medium to full-bodied palate is laden with juicy black fruits plus loads of exotic spice and earthy accents, supported by very ripe, soft tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and fragrant. Producer Clos de l'OratoireA Saint-Émilion château owned and managed by the energetic and inspiring, Stephan von Neipperg. The estate was originally purchased in 1972 by his father, Joseph-Hubert, Graf von Neipperg. Its 10 hectares of vines grow on Fronsac molasses soil with sub-layers of sand and clay, a terroir that is ideal for Merlot (90%). They also grow smaller amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Like other Neipperg estates, they practice sustainable viticulture with some biodynamic elements in order to preserve the innate quality of the grape. Opulent yet with an underlying structure, Clos de l'Oratoire usually requires several years of ageing following its release.