2016 La Clotte
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Tasting notes
The 2016 La Clotte offers more red than black fruit, softer and a little riper than its peers, wilted rose petals and light ferrous scents developing in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied, with fluid tannins, deceivingly light on the entry, but there is weight here, gaining depth towards the precise and mineral-driven finish. Excellent. Tasted blind at the Southwold 10-Year-On tasting.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Wine Enthusiast
More reviews and scores
An estate purchase by the team at Ausone in 2014, the 2016 Château La Clotte is a brilliant wine that delivers everything you could want from this vintage. Made from 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Cabernet Franc, its deep purple color is followed by a medium to full-bodied, classic Saint-Emilion that has ultra-fine tannins, terrific balance, and a beautiful perfume of flowers, toasted bread, graphite, cassis, and black raspberries. Seemingly all about finesse and elegance, with flawless purity of fruit, it still packs plenty of intensity and length. It surpasses the 2015 and has 20-25 years of prime drinking ahead of it.
The 2016 La Clotte, part of the Vauthier family's portfolio, was outstanding out of barrel, and now that it is in bottle, I have no reason to alter my view. The sophisticated, beautifully defined bouquet features mineral-rich black cherry and raspberry fruit; hints of violet and bay leaf emerge with time. The sublimely balanced palate is sensual and refined, offering a fine bead of acidity and a silky-smooth texture. The very persistent, refined finish is exceptional. This must surely be the hidden gem of Saint-Émilion in 2016. It’s just a shame that only 10,000 bottles were produced. Try to buy one.
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.