Clos de L'Oratoire 2020

In the Rhône Valley, the history of the Clos de l'Oratoire des Papes dates back to the 19th century and more precisely to 1880 when Edouard Amouroux, through his marriage, received a beautiful plot of vines located in a Clos. That day, the Clos des Oratoriens was born. It was named after the oratory located below the said plot. Built in the 18th century, this small chapel dedicated to Saint-Marc, patron saint of winegrowers and protector of vines against bad weather, is still the destination of annual religious processions.

Then, in 1926, his son, Léonce Amouroux, created Maison Amouroux and decided to rename his wine "Clos de l'Oratoire des Papes" in memory of the Popes who had erected their summer palace in the 14th century on the heights of village which is today called Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Today, Clos de l'Oratoire des Papes is one of the most legendary wine brands and labels in the appellation, recognized throughout the world.

Wine Spectator: 91
Reveals ripe plum and blackberry fruit that meld nicely with hints of anise, black tea and singed alder. The focused and fine-grained finish has a late savory sparkle for range. Merlot and Cabernet Franc.

Wine Advocate: 92
The 2020 Clos de l'Oratoire is seamless and charming, offering up aromas of sweet cherries, blackberries, violets and licorice, followed by a medium to full-bodied, velvety and harmonious palate. This gourmand, Merlot-dominant bottling will offer a wide drinking window. Best After 2023.

Decanter: 92
Confident and grippy with liquorice, cherry, rosemary, dried herbs and chocolate. It lifts and tightens through the plate, good tension, broad-shouldered, powerful and intense. 40% new oak.

Vinous: 94
The 2020 Clos de l'Oratoire is a powerhouse. Blackberry, gravel, smoke, incense, crushed rocks and dried herbs hit the palate as this potent, structured Saint-Émilion opens up. This is an especially virile, tannic wine that is going to need time to settle down. The balance of fruit intensity and structure is compelling, to say the least. But this needs time.

James Suckling: 96
Some black pepper with crushed stone. Black berries, black cherries, and bark. Medium-bodied with lovely fruit and balance, and a gorgeous finish of peaches and tangerines. Fantastic. Drinkable but will age beautifully.

Jeb Dunnuck: 95
This wine seems to always deliver, and I loved the 2020 Clos De L'Oratoire. Lots of black cherries, subtle cassis, notes of lead pencil and violets, medium to full-bodied richness, and a balanced, elegant texture all make for a beautiful Saint-Emilion. It picks up more minerality with time in the glass, and its purity of fruit is top-notch. It will keep for at least two decades.