2025 Clos de l'Oratoire Saint-Émilion Grand Cru

FOREMEST - EXPECTED EARLY 2028

Clos de l'Oratoire Winery

Clos de l'Oratoire belongs to the Vignobles Comtes von Neipperg, the same family behind Château Canon-la-Gaffelière and La Mondotte, among others. The estate was included in the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé classification in 2012 and is known for an elegant style in which freshness, precision, and terroir expression take center stage. Under the leadership of Count Stephan von Neipperg, a refined, organic approach is employed, prioritizing balance in the vineyard. More information about this winery can be found under the Winery tab.

Origin, terroir and vintage 2025

Clos de l'Oratoire is situated on the northeastern slopes of Saint-Émilion, on a terroir of clay, limestone, and sandy subsoils. This combination produces wines that possess both accessibility and tension, with a characteristic freshness and mineral precision. The 2025 vintage brought optimal ripening conditions, where healthy grapes and a precise harvest resulted in a wine with great energy and balance. Despite the warmth of the year, the freshness was remarkably preserved, something that, according to several journalists, is one of the great qualities of this Clos de l'Oratoire. The harvest took place between September 10 and 22, 2025, with a yield of approximately 34 hl/ha .

Vineyards and grape varieties

Clos de l'Oratoire 2025 consists of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc . Merlot forms the juicy, round heart of the wine and provides rich fruit and texture, while Cabernet Franc remains prominently present in the aromatics and structure.

Antonio Galloni explicitly emphasizes how Cabernet Franc plays a leading role in the aroma, mineral tension, and structure of the wine. This gives Clos de l'Oratoire 2025 extra refinement and a more vertical style than the blend might suggest at first glance.

Harvest, vinification and aging

The grapes were harvested by hand and vinified in wooden and concrete vats for approximately 26 days . Pneumatic pigeage was used for extraction, a gentle technique in which the skins are carefully submerged to preserve elegance and precision.

75% of the aging takes place in oak barrels, 20% of which are new , while the remaining 25% continues to age in wooden and concrete tanks. This approach ensures texture and complexity without the wood dominating the wine. As a result, the fruit and terroir remain central.

Style, scent and taste

Clos de l'Oratoire 2025 opens expressively with blackberries, blueberries, black cherries, and red currants, complemented by floral notes of violets and flowers, along with subtle hints of liquorice, spices, and graphite. This is followed by nuances of cinnamon, fennel seed, and light roasted notes.

James Suckling speaks of a wine with striking depth and layering, supported by velvety tannins and ripe black fruit. Antonio Galloni calls Clos de l'Oratoire a beautiful, medium-bodied Saint-Émilion in which floral and savory nuances combine with a striking saline tension and plenty of power in reserve.

On the palate, the wine reveals itself to be energetic and refined. Yves Beck praises the combination of power, harmony, and elegance, where a fresh acidity beautifully supports the structure. Lisa Perrotti-Brown names black raspberries, boysenberries, bay leaf, pencil shavings, and mineral tension as key characteristics. What stands out most is the combination of ripe fruit, precision, and freshness, without heaviness or over-extraction.

Summary of professional reviews

95-96 points – James Suckling: praises the depth, layering, blackcurrants, and velvety tannins. 94-95 points – Yves Beck: describes the wine as powerful, harmonious, precise, and elegant with great energy. 93-95 points – Antonio Galloni, Vinous: emphasizes the floral aromatics, saline tension, and prominent role of Cabernet Franc. 93-95 points – Vinum: praises the elegance, freshness, and spicy finesse. 92-94 points – Alexandre Ma: emphasizes the freshness, violets, and juicy fruit expression. 92-94 points – Lisa Perrotti-Brown: describes the wine as mineral, energetic, and refined in structure. 92-93 points – Bettane & Desseauve: praises the combination of cassis, floral notes, and an elegant mouthfeel. The full review texts can be found in the tab: Professional reviews.

Wine & Food Pairing and Discount

If available, you will find the official factsheet and additional information about this fine wine in the 'Attachments' tab. We will automatically send these to you upon ordering this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you come to collect the wine, you will often receive a nice discount. You will see your discount immediately when you select 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht, situated almost next to the A16 with ample parking. Click here for our address.

You can read full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the ideal wine for your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grandcruwijnen customers. In the Food tab, you will find advice on what to look for for the right food and wine pairing, and a number of dish suggestions from our Sommelier.