Stephen Brook: Very deep red. Ripe, fleshy nose, fine black cherry fruit, appealing oakiness. Quite rich, silky, succulent, a touch sweet and overripe, but there is plenty of fruit here. Modestly structured, which is probably wise, but balanced and enjoyable. Skilful winemaking. 16

Stephen Browett: Deep color with a powerful nose of ripe Merlot fruit. Big, rich, chewy but not forced. Smooth and plump. A rich, well made wine with plenty of substance. 14.5

Michael Schuster: Dark red; sweetly ripe fruit to smell, which should make a lovely bouquet; very nicely balanced, rich middleweight wine with a fine tannin and nice, fresh acidity; lovely, sweetly ripe fruit to taste, long in the mouth, refined and subtle and with good length. Not the weight, or scope, of Canon-La-Gaffelière, but this is absolutely delicious, a first rate example of “new wave” winemaking without excess! A remarkable Clos de l’Oratoire! Beautifully judged oak. Very nice now, no hurry. 16