Castle of the Clotte - Saint-Emilion 2015

The Wine Cellar Insider

92-94 / 100

byJeff Levethe4/30/2016

This could be one of the steals of the vintage. There is more density and sweetness in the fruits than I have ever seen at this estate. The texture is fat and plush, the wine has purity and finesse coupled with weight, intensity and character. There is a real depth of flavor here.

Wine Advocate

90-92 / 100

byNeal Martinthe4/29/2016

The 2015 La Clotte, now part of Alain Vauthier's portfolio, is a blend of 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Pauline Vauthier told me that they had pulled up one-hectare of vines because of the condition, leaving three in production. It was macerated by pigeage only, no remontage. Matured in 85% new oak, that wood feels quite prominent at the moment, although there is sufficient fruit to absorb it. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin on the entry, very smooth and nicely poised with fine precision on the finish. Elegant and poised, this already shows an improvement in this estate since the Vauthiers acquired the vineyard.

Decanter.com

89 / 100

byJames Lawther MWthe4/29/2016

First year with full Ausone control. Only 3ha. Fragrant dark and red berry nose. Supple fruit but chalky terroir provides freshness and firmness on the finish. Otherwise lightness of touch in terms of extraction.
2020-2032

Bettane & Desseauve

17-17,5 / 20

the4/28/2016

Premier millésime 100 % Vauthier (nouveau propriétaire) à la Clotte, avec trois hectares (un sur les quatre déjà arraché). Remarquable velouté de tannin, grande fraîcheur brillante, précision fruitée, remarquable d’élégance.

Vinous

90-93 / 100

byAntonio Gallonithe4/27/2016

The 2015 La Clotte presents a striking interplay of aromatics, fruit and structure. Beams of tannin give La Clotte much of its distinctive personality. Espresso, mocha, leather, dark cherry, savor herbs and plum open up nicely in the glass. La Clotte is one of the least expressive wines in the Vauthier family's range this year, yet it offers outstanding potential, not to mention tons of class. The Cabernet Franc is particularly expressive here. The 2015 is 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon projected to spend 18 months in oak, 85% new.

timatkin.com

91 / 100

byTim Atkin MWthe4/20/2016

Wine Enthusiast

93 / 100

the4/15/2016

92–94. Barrel Sample. Almost all Merlot, this wine is aged in new wood that shows in its toasty character. It has spice, a dry core of structure that will dominate for a while. As a contrast, the acidity and the juicy fruitiness are all there.

Jean-Marc QUARIN

16,5 / 20

byJean-Marc Quarinthe4/14/2016

CLOTTE (LA) Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 16,5 // 92
Couleur sombre, intense et pourpre. Nez fruité, frais offrant une note de cerise. Entrée en bouche suave, au toucher minutieux puis le vin avance très savoureux avec un goût complexe et une texture raffinée. Belle finale savoureuse et longue. Assemblage : 80 % merlot, 15 % cabernet franc et 5 % cabernet sauvignon.

René Gabriel

18 / 20

the4/10/2016

Sattes Purpur-Granat, dicht in der Mitte, lila Schimmer aussen. Nobles Bouquet, wenn auch noch etwas verhalten, Brombeeren und Teenoten. Im Gaumen schier erhaben mit recht viel Eleganz, zeigt eine feine Rasse und genügend Klasse. Alain Vauthier (Ausone) hatte diesen Cru kürzlich erworben und es geht aufwärts. 18/20 2023 – 2039

Jamessuckling.com

94-95 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe4/5/2016

A fascinating wine with purity and length. Very tight and compacted. Full and silky texture. Curious and enlightening. Structured. Now owned by the Vauthier family of Ausone. First vintage.