| 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 estate's best ever wine was produced here in 2016 and quality continues to rise. One to watch.
Aromas of sweet berries, cherries and rose petals, framed by nicely integrated new oak, preface the 2021 La Clotte, a medium to full-bodied, supple and charming wine that's beautifully refined and intensely flavored, concluding with a long, saline finish. It's a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc from the Vauthier family of Château Ausone.
The 2021 La Clotte was picked October 2 and 6 for the Merlot and Cabernet Franc, respectively, and matured entirely in new oak. It has a well-defined nose of black cherries and light blueberry fruit, floral as usual, though not as decadent as previous vintages (as expected). The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins and good density, though maybe just missing a little amplitude and complexity on the finish at the moment. Fresh, yet you feel it is holding something back. Very correct.
The 2021 was harvested on 2nd October for Merlot, and 6th October for Cabernet Franc. Merlot is 85% of the blend, with the remainder Cabernet Franc. Fermentation took place in steel, ahead of what will be 18 months maturation in French oak. Conversion to organics is underway, starting in 2020. Vivid purple colour. Very fragrant with tones of violet, iris and dark cherry blossom. The palate leads with a sweet berry character, the fleshy fruit plump in the middle and surrounded by lightly chewy but ripe tannins. Cassis and fresh black pepper provide focus, driving the wine through to a long, intense finish.
Medium to full body with a creamy, supple tannin structure. Just-ripe plum fruit and dark berries with a touch of chocolate. Plush, yet so fresh. 85% merlot and 15% cabernet franc.
Made from 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, the 2021 La Clotte is deep purple-black colored. It sails out of the glass with expressive notions of Morello cherries, fresh raspberries, and stewed red plums, plus hints of spice cake and lavender. Medium-bodied, the palate is bright and refreshing with a good intensity of red berry flavors and a soft texture, finishing with an herbal lift.
2026-2041
La Clotte is one to watch over the next decade, a true insider's wine that is blossoming under the Ausone team (owners since 2014). This has gorgeous limestone character, sappy, plump but understated rich red fruit character and with spicy, herbal nuances that reveal themselves as it opens in the glass. Harvest October 2 to 6 (over those two separate days because this is just 4ha of vines). Conversion to organic farming since 2020. Old vines, average age 57 years, Thierry Lezin cellar master.
