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La Clotte 2016

St Emilion

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Tasting Notes

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.

Score: 96

Neal Martin, Vinous.com Maturity: 2022-2045 01 January 2019

The 2016 La Clotte is a blend of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc this year, picked on 12 October for the Merlot and 17 October for both Cabernets. Matured in 85% new oak, it has a fragrant bouquet with plenty of redcurrant, wild strawberry and rose petal notes, real gusto here but also elegance. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a beautiful line of acidity, great substance and fine mineralité on the finish. La Clotte was in a poor state in terms of old and missing vines when the Vauthiers took over the property in 2014, but it is rapidly becoming one of their standout wines alongside Ausone. Superb.

Score: 94 - 96

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2022-2045 28 April 2017

Most of the Vauthier family's 2016s are incredibly inviting, but La Clotte is an exception. Today it is the wine's tannin and overall structure that dominate. To be sure, the 2016 was far more expressive en primeur. There is good depth to the fruit, but the wine is not in a mood to show all of its cards. The 2016 is 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc.

Score: 91

Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com Maturity: 2021-2031 01 January 2019

The 2016 La Clotte is a gorgeous wine, but it is also quite closed in on itself. Deceptively medium in body, it packs a serious punch. The 2016 is a fascinating wine to contemplate, as it offers superb potential for the future. The interplay of aromatics, fruit, tannin and acidity is compelling, even at this early stage. The Cabernet Franc here is especially distinctive.

Score: 91 - 94

Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com 01 April 2017

The small vineyard of la Clotte is located close to Chateau Ausone on the limestone plateau of Saint Emilion. In 2014 Ausone's owner Alain Vauthier purchased La Clotte from the Grailly family and great improvements have been made. The 2016 is now the third vintage to be made here and La Clotte is "rapidly becoming one of their standout wines alongside Ausone" according to Neal Martin. "Superb".

Score: -

Albany Vintners, - 16 May 2017

An extremely precise, well paced La Clotte that shows the austerity of its late-ripening terroir. Fruits are well brushed and the strands of flavour are clear - blackberries, slate, cold ash and wild flowers. 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc from a yield of 30hl/ha, aged in 85% new oak.

Score: 92

Jane Anson, Decanter.com Maturity: 2025-2040 06 April 2017

Rich purple fruit notes. Very ripe. Sweet and rich. Could beguile and is very polished. (16.5+)

Score: 16

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2024-2038 06 April 2017

This is a beautiful red with a deep and beautiful palate that shows wonderful finesse and purity of fruit. Blueberry and cherry aromas and flavors. Medium to full. The tannins are so fine.

Score: 94 - 93

James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com 04 April 2017