Clotte (la) - Saint-Emilion 2015

Wine Advocate

91

byNeal Martinthe3/2/2018

 Pauline Vauthier considers the 2015 La Clotte to be the family’s maiden vintage after finishing the work in the winery after its acquisition in 2014 (there is also an ongoing replanting program). The oak barrel has integrated into the fruit since en primeur, though I would argue that it does not quite possess the sophistication of the Vauthier’s Haut Simard or Moulin St. Georges at the moment. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a fine thread of acidity, very pure in the mouth with blackberry, raspberry and veins of spice. There is pleasing depth to this La Clotte and impressive precision toward the finish. I have the feeling that La Clotte is going to be an exceptional wine in the future. This is the first step toward reaching those heights. Anticipated maturity: 2020 - 2035. 

Wine Advocate

95

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe2/22/2018

This was the first vintage for the Vauthier family of Château Ausone off this tiny three-hectare estate. Composed of 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, 85% new, the 2015 La Clotte displays a medium to deep garnet-purple color and a very spicy nose of cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise and allspice over core of red and black currants, mulberries and black soil plus a waft of violets. Full-bodied and decadently fruited with a firm backbone of very ripe, beautifully velvety tannins, it has a lively backbone providing loads of lift throughout the very long finish.

Jamessuckling.com

92

byJames Sucklingthe2/12/2018

Very perfumed and beautiful with blackberry and blueberry aromas that follow through to a medium to full body, firm and silk tannins and a chalky and limestone undertone. Peppery edge. Lightly chewy finish. Give it three or four years to soften.

Jeb DUNNUCK

90

byJeb Dunnuckthe11/30/2017

The Wine Cellar Insider

92-94

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.

Decanter.com

89

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

Wine Advocate

90-92

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.

Vinous

90-93

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

byTim Atkin MWthe4/20/2016

Jean-Marc QUARIN

16,5

byJean-Marc Quarinthe4/14/2016

CLOTTE (LA) Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 16,5 // 92Couleur 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.

Jamessuckling.com

94-95

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.