Clos de l’Oratoire, Grand Cru Classe, St. Emilion, Bordeaux, 2010

Tasting: St. Emilion Grand Cru & Premier Grand Cru Classe

Reticent but oaky nose, with mocha and creosote tones. Quite rich on the palate, with chunky tannins and fair acidity. Solid but also spicy and has some freshness, though it’s not exactly zesty. Moderate length.

Tasting: St. Emilion Grand Cru & Premier Grand Cru Classe

Red fruit and vanilla nose. Plush red and dark fruit on the palate. Well worked but solid tannins. Touch of alcohol on the finish. Competent if unexciting.

Tasting: St. Emilion Grand Cru & Premier Grand Cru Classe

Concentrated black autumnal fruits nose. Rich with a touch of black chocolate, quite smooth and sweet on the palate, rich flavours and perhaps at the cost of complexity.