2013 La Clotte

One of my favorite properties, Chateau La Clotte was sold recently to the Vauthier family of Chateau Ausone, and that can only mean good things, although the quality here has been relatively high over the last 15-20 years. The 2013 netted tiny yields of 20 hectoliters per hectare, with the final blend producing less than 1,000 cases. The blend is primarily Merlot with a touch of Cabernet Franc, harvested October 5-14. The wine exhibits a deep ruby/purple color and merits sleeper-of-the-vintage status given the ripeness achieved. It has fleshy, deep cherry and blackcurrant fruit with hints of white chocolate, underbrush and tobacco leaf. The wine is medium-bodied, relatively soft and should provide delicious consumer-friendly drinking for the next decade.