2014 La Clotte
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Tasting notes
As I wrote when I tasted this 2014 La Clotte from barrel, Pauline Vauthier regards this as the first official vintage of the wine now part of the the family's portfolio. It was raised in the same cooperages as Ausone with a very low toasting. The bouquet is very precise and focused with vivacious, very focused, mineral-laden red fruit, whilst retaining a sense of elegance and translating the terroir. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannin, again, very elegant yet intense and full of energy. It has a slightly chalky texture, the finish precise and persistent in the mouth. This is a very impressive debut that surpasses my expectation from barrel. Though unknown on the market, I suspect that this will not be the case for too much longer.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The 2014 La Clotte is a striking wine that hints at the potential the Vauthier family will likely be able to coax from this site. Punchy red stone fruit, pomegranate, blood orange, spice and menthol are front and center. Supple and pliant, with terrific underlying structure, the wine is absolutely gorgeous. Bright mineral notes and Cabernet Franc aromatics infuse the finish in a super-expressive Saint-Émilion endowed with real class. The 2014 is a transition vintage for La Clotte. The Vauthier family (owners of Ausone and several other châteaux) purchased La Clotte in September 2014, just before harvest. The wine was made by consulting winemaker Jean-Philippe Fort, but Pauline Vauthier has since taken over. I would not be surprised if in a few years' time, La Clotte sits only behind Ausone in the Vauthier range. This is a very special site. In 2014 the blend is 80 % Merlot, 10 % Cabernet Franc and 10 % Cabernet Sauvignon.
Vauthiers of Ausone took this over in September 2014. They plan to completely restrict the vineyard and build a new cellar. 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc. Dark crimson. Luscious and very fruity wine. Cooperage not up to the Vauthiers’ usual standard. A bit green on the end. (JR)
In my opinion, La Clotte is the most exciting wine in the range this year. In late 2014, the Vauthier family purchased La Clotte, a small property adjacent to Ausone. Pauline Vauthier told me extractions were dialed way back, although given the timing of the acquisition, just before harvest, the new team had less input than it will going forward. Still, La Clotte possesses marvelous density, volume and textural finesse. There is superb potential here. I fully expect to see significant strides in quality over the coming years.
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.