In Bond Fine Wine. 2021 La Clotte, Saint Emilion, Bordeaux, France. Red Bordeaux in 6x75cl. Top critic score: 93/100 (JA). Drinking window: 2026–2046. 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.
William Kelley (WK) — 91–93/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 29/04/2022
Aromas of sweet berries, cherries and rose petals, framed by nicely integrated new oak, preface the 2021 La Clotte, a medium to full-bodied, supple and charming wine that's beautifully refined and intensely flavored, concluding with a long, saline finish. It's a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc from the Vauthier family of Chateau Ausone.
Antonio Galloni (AG) — 92/100 · Inside Bordeaux, 27/02/2024 · Drink 2027-2041
The 2021 La Clotte is a very pretty, intensely savory wine. Bright red plum, red cherry, mint, orange peel, spice and cedar all grace this super-expressive, pliant Saint-Émilion. I admire its textural depth, nuance and overall class. What a beautiful wine this is. Like so many 2021s, La Clotte is gorgeously perfumed and aromatic.
Jane Anson (JA) — 93/100 · Inside Bordeaux, 26/03/2024 · Drink 2026-2040
This is understated with hidden depths, walking the line of ripeness in a lighter frame that will be ready to drink in a few years. Gentle gunsmoke on the nose, dominant limestone character, with chalky minerality, juicy lemongrass, slate, redcurrant and raspberry fruits, with higher acidity greengage plum. Harvest October 2 to 6. Old vines, average age 57 years, Thierry Lezin cellar master. 100%…