Proprietor Comte de Neipperg is doing everything possible to elevate this estate's reputation. Readers should take note as prices are sure to rise once the world discovers just how sumptuous recent vintages of Clos de l'Oratoire have been. The 1996 is even better out of bottle than it was from cask. The wine boasts an opaque plum/purple color. Intense aromas of Asian spices espresso roasted meats and sweet exotic cedar and blackberry fruit soar from the glass of this exotic ostentatiously-styled St.-Emilion. It is medium to full-bodied with moderate tannin a sweet mid-palate (always a good sign) and a dense concentrated long powerful finish. This muscular impressively-endowed offering should drink well between 2002-2017.

Clever winemaking here. Dark in color with vanilla berry and cream aromas. Medium-bodied with fine tannins and a toasted oak and berry aftertaste. One wishes only for a bit more fruit center-palate. Best after 2000. 7000 cases made.