2017 La Clotte
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Tasting notes
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 Merlot-based wine.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Jancis Robinson MW
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A blend of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc, the 2017 La Clotte displays a medium to deep garnet-purple color. It charges out of the gate with bold cassis, plum preserves and kirsch scents plus nuances of mocha, cardamom and tar with a waft of aniseed. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers plenty of invigorating, energetic fruit with very well-managed, plush tannins and a nice, long spicy finish.
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 might be a distant cousin of a very fine Loire. This is simply a superb Saint-Émilion that is rapidly making a name for itself.
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.
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.