In Bond Fine Wine. 2017 La Clotte, Saint Emilion, Bordeaux, France. Red Bordeaux in 6x75cl. Top critic score: 93/100 (NM). Drinking window: 2021–2036. Sold in bond by Albany Vintners, independent fine wine merchants.
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. La Clotte is "rapidly becoming one of their standout wines alongside Ausone" according to Neal Martin.
Jeb Dunnuck (JD) — 90/100 · JebDunnuck.com, 26/02/2020 · Drink 2020-2030
Based largely on Merlot (there's 10% each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc), the 2017 Chateau La Clotte offers a vivid ruby/purple color as well as bright raspberry and cherry fruits interwoven with lots of cedar and sappy, green herbs. Showing more floral nuances with time in the glass, it's medium-bodied, balanced, and just a fresh, classic Bordeaux that should evolve for 8-10 years.
Antonio Galloni (AG) — 92/100 · Vinous, 2020-03-01 · Drink 2022-2032
The 2017 La Clotte shows terrific energy, just as it did from barrel, in the mid-weight style of the year. Red cherry, red plum, flowers, blood orange, mint and bright saline notes give the 2017 lovely tension to match its mid-weight personality. This is such a pretty and expressive Saint-Émilion, not to mention one of the under-the-radar gems of the year. It is a very pretty, supple and sensual…
Neal Martin (NM) — 93/100 · Vinous, 2020-02-01 · Drink 2021-2036
The 2017 La Clotte was one of the Vauthier’s most impressive wines from barrel and now that it is bottled, I find no reason to change that view. It delivers gorgeous black cherry and raspberry coulis aromas, intermingling with sous-bois and crushed iris. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, fresh and vibrant, very well proportioned with a veins of _mineralité _ on the finish that migh…