| 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 55 years and are 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc.
The 2019 La Clotte was picked from September 27 to October 7. It has a complex bouquet of detailed red berry fruit, wild hedgerow, crushed stone and wilted rose petal aromas, engaging and (for the vintage) understated. The palate is medium-bodied, ripe and beautifully poised, with pliant tannins and a judicious touch of spice. This builds wonderfully in the mouth and feels elegant and refined, almost Burgundian on the finish. Wonderful. 2025 - 2048
From a small, four-hectare vineyard that the Vauthier family acquired in 2014, the 2019 La Clotte offers up inviting aromas of wild blueberries, licorice, coniferous forest floor and sweet spices. Medium to full-bodied, bright and concentrated, it's tightly wound, with lively acids and chalky tannins. This is a promising effort from an estate in the ascendant. Drink Date 2025 - 2050
Polished nose of ripe plums, blackberries, walnuts, cigar box, chocolate orange and mahogany. It’s medium-bodied with firm, velvety tannins. Creamy and refined, yet with a firm, precise structure. Try in 2026.
The 2019 La Clotte is made from 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple colored, it opens a little broody with notions of cedar chest, charcoal, and pencil lead over a core of plum preserves, black raspberries, and Sichuan pepper. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is plush and round with generous black fruit preserves flavors and a racy backbone, finishing long with a red berry lift.
The 2019 is a blend of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc, which will be aged in oak for 18 months. There will be 10,000 bottles in 2019, of which 7,000 will be released En Primeur. Deep ruby colour, with spices cherries and baked plums alongside black pepper and baked vanilla. The palate is concentrated and fleshy, with a hint of decadent damson amongst the black cherry fruit. The tannins are fine but moutchoating, adding weight and a savoury edge to take this to a higher level of complexity. The finish is spicy and mineral, with harmonious forest fruits. Tasted in Bordeaux.
85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc. Barrel sample.
Restrained nose but good depth. Some dark-berry and spice complexity as it opens. Palate sinewy and firm, the limestone terroir apparent. Plenty of drive on the finish. Powerful and fresh but a bit austere. Needs time. (JL)
Drink 2026 – 2036
