2016 Ogier Clos de L'Oratoire des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape

After more than 160 years, Ogier has grown to become one of the leading producers in the Rhône Valley. Most of its land holdings are in the Southern Rhône area producing wines from Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueyras and Lirac. The estate quietly produces wine from 100% organic grapes and produces wine in a very traditional method. Ogier’s wines are an ode to finesse, elegance and freshness.

Created in 1880, the 'Clos de L'Oratoire des Papes' is an iconic wine from the Châteauneuf du Pape appellation. The story began when Edouard Amouroux obtained the famous plot of Syrah vines, through his marriage, located at the place known as Tresquoy. The property owes its name to the oratory dedicated to St Mark which stands on the edge of the plot. This terroir's great quality helped this wine to quickly become a leading product of the appellation. In 1999 Ogier purchased Clos de l'Oratoire and has run it to their standards since. 

The region’s distinctive soils of large rounded pebbles and stones are evident throughout the Ogier vineyards.  Located in the center of the village in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the centuries-old winery is home to over 8,000 hectoliters of vats, barrels, demi-muids, casks, and truncated vats, a tribute to its original craftsmanship as a barrel maker.

Check out this audio clip from the wineries export manager detailing the history of this stunning estate:

80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre, 5% Cinsault. The nose unveils aromas of burlap cherry and fig with spices such as nutmeg, cocoa, and morello cherry brandy. The palate carries silky tannins, a fresh mouthfeel, combined with complex red fruits, gentle spices, and smoky notes.

Aged solely in foudres, the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Clos de l'Oratoire des Papes is a blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah and 5% each Cinsault and Mourvèdre. It's probably one of my favorite 2016s from Ogier, offering some real depth and concentration. Black cherry fruit picks up hints of dried spices on the long, supple finish. It should drink well for a decade or more. ~92 Robert Parker

While I wasn't able to taste any 2015s from this estate, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is solid, with lots of meaty, peppery, spicy notes, medium-bodied richness, and plenty of length on the finish. It's a classic, well-made CDP that's going to drink nicely right out of the gate and keep for a decade or more. ~89-92 Jeb Dunnuck

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