Château Clos de L'Oratoire

Château Clos de l’Oratoire is one of Saint-Émilion’s most historic estates and has been ranked among the appellation’s Cru Classés since the 1955 classification. Although the estate lies in the shadow of famous neighbours such as Ausone, Canon and Beauséjour, over the past two decades it has developed into one of the most exciting representatives of Bordeaux’s right bank. This is largely due to its takeover by the Moueix family and the Countess von Neipperg, who have helped restore the estate to its former glory through substantial investment and a consistent commitment to quality. The château’s origins date back to the 18th century. The estate owes its name to a small chapel that once served as a place of worship for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. Today, the estate comprises around 13 hectares of vineyards on the north-eastern edge of the famous limestone plateau of Saint-Émilion. The vineyards benefit from an exceptional variety of soils, comprising calcareous clay mixed with sand in the upper part of the slope, and a sandy topsoil with an underlying layer of clay at the foot of the slope. Together, these factors lend the wines a perfect balance of power, freshness and elegance.

Since 1997, Clos de l’Oratoire has been part of Vignobles Comtes von Neipperg, whose portfolio also includes châteaux such as Canon La Gaffelière, La Mondotte and Peyreau. Under the leadership of Stephan von Neipperg, viticulture has been fundamentally modernised. Low yields, careful plot selection, hand-harvesting and sustainable viticulture now form the basis of the estate’s work. In the cellar, each plot is vinified separately before the final blend is created. The wine is aged for around 15 to 18 months in French barriques, a large proportion of which are replaced each year. As a result, the estate was elevated to the rank of Grand Cru Classé in 2012.
The blend is dominated by Merlot, complemented by Cabernet Franc and a small proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon. This combination lends the wines, on the one hand, the silky fruitiness and suppleness for which Saint-Émilion is renowned, and, on the other, structure, freshness and considerable ageing potential. Stylistically, Château Clos de l’Oratoire combines the modern precision of the Neipperg estates with a distinct emphasis on terroir. Black cherry, blackberry and plum meet notes of violet, graphite, liquorice and delicate spices. On the palate, the wines are dense and concentrated, yet at the same time remarkably fresh and well-balanced. The limestone-rich soils impart a precise minerality and lively acidity, which ensure tension and elegance even in warm vintages. The tannins are finely textured and mature over many years to achieve great harmony. Today, Château Clos de l’Oratoire ranks among the most reliable Grand Cru Classés of Saint-Émilion. The combination of historic terroir, meticulous vineyard management and the von Neipperg family’s uncompromising commitment to quality has restored the estate to the very top of the appellation.

© Images: Château Clos de L’Oratoire