95 James Suckling
Aromas of bark, blackberries, currants and basil leaf, not to mention lavender and sage. Full body, integrated tannins and a long and flavorful finish. Layered and beautiful. Drink in 2022.
18 Rene Gabriel
Extrem dunkles Purpur mit lila und violetten Reflexen. Viel Schwarzbrotkruste, Rauchnoten, Lakritze und Korinthen im Bouquet vermittelnd, zeigt eine hohe Fruchtreife im Ansatz. Im Gaumen sehr dunkles Fruchtmark, Schwarzteenoten, wirkt noch streng. Dies vor allem durch seine massive Konzentration. Der Saft kommt dann wohl noch mit dem Ausbau. 18/20 2023 – 2038
18 Rene Gabriel
Extrem dunkles Purpur mit lila und violetten Reflexen. Viel Schwarzbrotkruste, Rauchnoten, Lakritze und Korinthen im Bouquet vermittelnd, zeigt eine hohe Fruchtreife im Ansatz. Im Gaumen sehr dunkles Fruchtmark, Schwarzteenoten, wirkt noch streng. Dies vor allem durch seine massive Konzentration. Der Saft kommt dann wohl noch mit dem Ausbau. 18/20 2023 – 2038
94 Wine Spectator
Juicy and balled up for now, with a licorice note coating the plum and raspberry fruit flavors. Has a singed vanilla edge to the finish, though this shows signs of being absorbed by the bright fruit. Should unfurl nicely after the élevage. Likely a solid buy.—J.M.
93 Robert Parker
The 2015 Clos de la L'Oratoire is a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc picked between 25-30 September at 45 hl/ha. Matured in 40% new oak, it has perhaps the most reticent bouquet at the moment, yet there is very pure dark cherry and blackberry fruit here, very "cool" aromatically and with several swirls of the glass it begins to find its voice. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannin. There is good density here, very well balanced, very precise with perhaps the best tension on the finish that I have discerned in this particular Saint Emilion. This comes highly recommended