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