After a period of decline, the estate was sold in 2000 to the Ogier group, also owner of Caves des Papes, which restored its luster.
The specificity of the Clos de l'Oratoire des Papes is notably due to the exceptional variety of its soils. The vineyard combines plots made up of stony soils, safres and pebbles rolled in red clay. This uniqueness of terroir, combined with a superb exposure of the vines (sun and mistral at the same time) we obtain a powerful, very distinctive wine.
This vintage in Châteauneuf-du-Pape is what is commonly called "a winegrowers' vintage" as the work in the vineyard was of crucial importance throughout this year which began early in the season and ended late in the 'autumn. An exhausting year, where experience and anticipation proved to be valuable assets in producing beautiful grapes. In the spring this vintage should have been early, but the summer precipitation and the lack of sunshine made it one of the later vintages of the decade.
This late maturity made it possible to match technical and phenolic maturity. The alcohol levels are therefore lower than in recent years for very fine tannins. In 2014, the wines are neither overripe nor over-concentrated but really about finesse and precision.
The acidity, slightly higher than normal, gives it great aging potential.
Color: Dark, full of youth and dotted with flashes of garnet.
Nose: Powerful notes of ripe and candied black fruits, enhanced with notes of plum and wild spices.
Mouth: Massive, rich and tasty with a beautiful constitution combining complexity and power. Concentrated, opulent and vinous flesh where the ripe fruitiness brings sweetness and perfume. Great aromatic finish with slightly candied and smoky, slightly chocolatey notes, signifying a well-assembled wine full of balance.
