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Tasting notes
Acquired by the Vauthier family in 2014, La Clotte continues to go from strength to strength. To start with it’s a little shy on the nose, but aromas of ripe redcurrant and menthol waft from the glass. The palate is more intense – lots of fleshy red fruit layered with mineral acidity that brings great precision to the finish. It comes in at 14% alcohol although it feels much lower. An expressive but serious wine that offers great value. Blend: 85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Deep purple-hued, the 2023 Château La Clotte offers a rocking nose of cassis, classy oak, graphite, flint, and exotic flowers. Based on 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc from a terraced hillside of 58-year-old vines and brought up 18 months in new barrels, it's medium-bodied, pure, and balanced, with nicely integrated oak, ripe tannins, and a great finish. I'd be thrilled to have bottles in the cellar, and it will keep for a solid two decades. Drink 2026-2045.
The 2023 La Clotte is fabulous. Strong savory inflections are immediately alluring. Espresso, lavender, spice, dried herbs and menthol meld into an expansive core of dark-toned fruit. There's a bit of oak influence from the 100% new barrels, but not enough to overpower the wine. This should age beautifully.
The 2023 La Clotte comes from the vines opposite Ausone. Beautiful violet and rose petal scents on the very expressive bouquet that is almost Vosne-like in style! The palate is medium-bodied with svelte tannins, finely pitched acidity, very sensual and precise with a simmering tension on the finish. This is a superb La Clotte that deserves not to remain in the shadow of Ausone.
About the producer
Ch. la Clotte is one of the Vauthier estates – along with Ch. Ausone. Classified as a Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, the estate comprises four hectares of 50-year-old vines on terraced vineyards on the famous limestone plateau.