The estate dates back to the mid-19th century, created by the Beylot family, a firm of Libournenégociants.[1] Since its origin, this vineyard has been run in close conjunction with its larger neighbour, Peyraud which came to be Château Peyrau.[1][2] Identified as having the best parcels, Clos de l'Oratoire was separated from Peyrau, and by the 1969 reclassification of Saint-Émilion, Clos de l'Oratoire was ranked Grand Cru Classé.[1][2]
In 1972 shares were bought in the estates by Joseph-Hubert, Graf von Neipperg, and in 1991 passed control to his son Comte Stephan von Neipperg who bought the remaining 30% from the other investors.[3] Von Neipperg's other properties include Château Canon-la-Gaffelière and the "super-cuvée" La Mondotte.[2] The oenologistStéphane Derenoncourt is retained as consultant.
Production
The vineyard area extends 10.3 hectares with the grape varieties of 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Of the Grand vin Clos de l'Oratoire there is a typically an annual production of 4,000 cases.[2]
References
^ abcPeppercorn, David (2003). Bordeaux. London: Mitchell Beazley. p. 452. ISBN1-84000-927-6.
^Schoenfeld, Bruce, Wine Spectator (February 22, 2006). "Armed With Charm". Archived from the original on April 18, 2009. Retrieved March 5, 2008.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)