WTN: Clos de L'Oratoire St. Emilion Grand Cru 1996

Last night, after we had our fill of the 2001Taylors Riesling, I cracked a 1996 Saint Emilion Grand Cru Classe, Clos de L'Oratoire. This wine revealed a saturated ruby colour, masses of opulent fruit on the nose - blueberries, blackcurrants and mulberry supported by newish quality wood scents and suggestions of road tar, Provencal herbs, fennel and green olive tapenade. The palate matches the bouquet for decadence and nuance, holding medium body, fleshy texture and excellent delineation with subtle contributions from very fine oak, lowish acidity and soft, lacy tannins. The flavoursome and quite lengthy finish completes a most pleasing, balanced and composed package - a near term wine that should hold at its zenith for at least another five years and last for several more thereafter. 90 points.

[James Roscoe]

Nice! I thought you were cutting back? Or are you just working your way through the cellar?

James: He had only two bottles of wine? For Lole, that IS cutting back.