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La Clotte 2022

RegionBordeaux
Subregion France > Bordeaux > Right Bank > St Emilion
ColourRed
TypeStill
Grape VarietyMerlot

Situated in the valley just 400 metres from Ausone, this 4 hectare property (of which only 2.5 hectares are in production) was bought by the Vauthier family in 2014. The vines average 57 years and are 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. The estate's best ever wine was produced here in 2016 and quality continues to rise. One to watch.

The 2022 is 85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and will be aged for 20 months in 100% new oak.

View all vintages of this wine | View all wines by Château la Clotte

Label

Tasting Notes

From a holding on the limestone plateau just outside the village, the 2022 La Clotte is one of the high points of the Vauthier portfolio this year, offering up attractive aromas of cherries, minty blackberries and raw cocoa, followed by a medium to full-bodied, supple and charming palate with a deep core of fruit, lively acids and refined tannins.

92/94
William Kelley, Wine Advocate (266), April 2023

The 2022 La Clotte was picked 8 to 27 September and aged for 18 months in French oak. It has quite a floral bouquet with a light marine/briny tincture in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with smooth tannins, fine acidity, some oak to be assimilated but it has a gorgeous creamy texture. Certainly a step up from the 2021, this is a fine La Clotte that should drink well for 15 to 20 years. 2026-2046

92/94
Neal Martin, vinous.com, May 2023

Something of a toasty fruit-bomb at the moment, La Clotte is provocative and rich on the nose this year. Dry undergrowth, pencil shavings and sweet black fruit are all generously coated in toasty wood spice. The palate as a result shows pure, ripe black fruit but also a sandy, firm tannic structure that needs to integrate. It is impressive but perhaps on the edge style wise in this hot vintage - if the elevage is right it should turn our very well.

93/95
Thomas Parker MW, Farr Vintners, April 2023

Intense fruit with cherries and redcurrants that are exuberant. Full and layered with lots of fruit. 85% merlot and 15% cabernet franc.

92/93
James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, April 2023

A blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, La Clotte 2022 is deep garnet-purple in color. It sashays out with provocative notes of spiced plums, boysenberry preserves, and potpourri, leading to hints of star anise and black olives. The full-bodied palate is rich, plush, and perfumed, delivering fantastic freshness and a long, wonderfully pure finish.

92/94
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Independent, May 2023

This is a wine that is worth watching every year right now, growing in confidence, precision, flesh, and terroir character. Brilliantly fleshy plum and raspberry fruits, chocolate, salinity, with a charred coffee bean edge. Harvest September 8 to 27. Conversion to organic farming began in 2020. 100% new oak, and new equipment in the winery, with smaller-sized vats. Great stuff from the Vauthier family.

95
Jane Anson, JaneAnson.com, May 2023

85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc. Cask sample.
Ripe, creamy red-fruit aroma. Lovely texture and flavour. Tannins very refined and plenty of freshness. Length and persistence on the finish. Harmonious. The best yet under the Vauthier regime (since 2014)? (JL) 15%
Drink 2028– 2042

17
James Lawther MW, JancisRobinson.com, May 2023
Read more tasting notes...

This is a wine that is worth watching every year right now, growing in confidence, precision, flesh, and terroir character. Brilliantly fleshy plum and raspberry fruits, chocolate, salinity, with a charred coffee bean edge. Harvest September 8 to 27. Conversion to organic farming began in 2020. 100% new oak, and new equipment in the winery, with smaller-sized vats. Great stuff from the Vauthier family.

95
Jane Anson, JaneAnson.com, May 2023
Please note that these tasting notes/scores are not intended to be exhaustive and in some cases they may not be the most recently published figures. However, we always do our best to add latest scores and reviews when these come to our attention. We advise customers who wish to purchase wines based simply on critical reviews to carry out further research into the latest reports.

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