2010 Clos L'Oratoire St. Emilion

(94 Points) It displays loads of Christmas fruitcake, licorice, incense, black cherry and black currant liqueur with some smoky barbecue notes as well as hints of coffee bean and chocolate. Sexy, full-throttle and impossible to resist already, it should continue to drink well for 15 or more years, and I don't anticipate this particular wine closing down.

On a north-facing hillside overlooking Chateau Dassault (that chateau owned by a French aircraft manufacturer), this 25-acre property is another one of the von Neipperg estates, which essentially guarantees high quality, given his commitment to excellence. The 2010 blend of 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc was produced under the consultancy of Stephane Derenoncourt. The wine was picked very late, in mid-October, resulting in beautiful ripeness as well as the precision that is part of 2010's trademark style. Wine Advocate #205, Feb 2013