| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Right Bank > St Emilion |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
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 58 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 2023 is 85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and will be aged for 20 months in 100% new oak.
The 2023 La Clotte was picked September 11 to 28 and aged for 18 months in new oak barrels. This has a little more precision and mineralité on the nose compared to the Moulin Saint-Georges, quite vibrant with shucked oyster shell in the background. The palate is medium-bodied, with svelte tannins that lend a satin-like texture. It’s very harmonious though not deep, and maybe it misses a bit of grip. That said, more extraction probably would have thrown off the balance here. Very seductive.
Crafted from vines planted in one of the best terroirs of Saint-Émilion, the 2023 La Clotte, a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, reveals aromas of almonds, cherries, dark wild berries and raw cocoa, followed by a medium to full-bodied, lively and tense palate with youthfully structured tannins and a fleshy core of fruit with bright acids that segues into a long, penetrating and saline finish.
Purple colour with a luscious nose of cinnamon and clove, bluberries and black forest gateau. The texture is glossy and refined, leaning into the supple, polished nature of this wine. Luxurious, with exotic spices lent from the barrel ageing sitting against damson and blueberry pie. There is a bourbon barrel touch to this which may be too much for some, but the juicy, fleshy fruit is very seductive. A wine for hedonists - this needs the oak to integrate during elevage just a touch more.
This is showing the limestone magic of 2023. Medium-bodied and very polished with a tight, linear structure, but purity of fruit and wonderful length. Silky texture. So bright. 85% merlot and 15% cabernet franc.
A blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, La Clotte 2023 is deep garnet-purple in color. Notions of mossy tree bark and dusty soil slowly emerge from the glass, giving way to a core of Morello cherries, juicy plums, and spice cake. The medium-bodied palate has subtle layers of red fruit and savory nuances, with satiny tannins and bags of freshness, finishing on a minerally note.
The reworking of La Clotte under the Vauthier family continues to impress, and this is one to look out for. The terroir was always there, and the precise vineyard work is now fully accentuating the iris and lily floral aromatics, the arresting slate and pumice stone texture, where autumnal fruits are sweet and ripe, cassis pastille and raspberry puree, but they take second place to the fennel, annis, cold ash, rhubarb, lavender. One of my wines to watch in this vintage, demands attention.
The 2023 La Clotte is a very serious wine. La Clotte is 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, but the Franc feels especially prominent at this stage. Saline notes run through core of plum, blood orange, white flowers, crushed rocks and white pepper. A shy, introspective wine, this will need a number of years to be at its best, but it is immensely promising.
85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc. Cask sample.
Ripe and creamy with succulent, red-berry fruit and plenty of persistence and drive. Finely honed tannins and freshness on the finish. Wholesome and balanced. (JL) 14.1%
Drink 2030 – 2042
