2021 La Clotte
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Tasting notes
The Vauthier family of Ch. Ausone took over the four-hectare Ch. la Clotte in 2014 – and quality has been on the rise ever since. From 57-year-old vines, the 2021 is another impressive offering – playing to the elegant style of the vintage. The Vauthiers picked the Merlot on 2nd October, the Cabernet Franc on 6th. The resulting wine is elegant, dark and pure – with a nose of seamlessly ripe but vibrant plummy fruit. It manages to combine a round ripeness and juicy crunch of red fruit, with a subtle dusting of tannins that add grip to the long finish, framing the fresh, cranberry acidity. Blend: 85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc
Critic scores
Average Score
William Kelley, Wine Advocate
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Tasted blind. Inky and austere. Green. (JR)
This is very floral and fresh, with hints of lavender, violets, redcurrants and plums following through to a medium body with fine, round tannins that are soft and well integrated. Juicy finish. Drink or hold.
The 2021 Château La Clotte checks in as 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, which is a normal blend for this château, and the aging was 18 months in new French oak. It has a saturated ruby hue to go with gorgeous notes of crème de cassis, black cherries, ripe tobacco, violets, and smoke, with just a hint of iron in the background. It's rich, medium-bodied, has a ripe, concentrated mouthfeel, beautiful tannins, and a great finish.
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.