critic reviews
The 2020 La Clotte has a sophisticated bouquet with blackberry, violet, crushed stone and just a hint of truffle oil. It is very delineated, and the oak is beautifully integrated. The palate is medium-bodied, fleshy and caressing in the mouth. Maybe it misses some grip, yet there is weight and presence, with a long, poised and understated finish. Wonderful. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.
From holdings on the outskirts of the town of Saint-Emilion, the Vauthier family's 2020 La Clotte has turned out beautifully, mingling aromas of raspberries and mulberries with hints of petals, incense and vine smoke. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated and vibrant, it's suave and precise, concluding with a penetrating finish. The blend is 85% Merlot with 15% Cabernet Franc.
Composed of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, the 2020 La Clotte is deep garnet-purple in color. Very closed to begin, it offers glimpses of cedar, redcurrant preserves, and stewed plums, giving way to fragrant notes of violets, aniseed, and Sichuan pepper. The medium to full-bodied palate is chock full of black fruit with red berry accents and firm, grainy tannins, finishing long and spicy.
This was pretty austere during En Primeur and is now beginning to put on weight, showing sleek raspberry and redcurrant fruit, studded with fennel, marzipan and orange rind with a mouthwatering finish. Clear limestone influence, just love watching what is happening at this property since the 2015 arrival of the Vauthiers. 100% new oak. An excellent, La Clotte, look out for it.