Clotte (la) - Saint-Emilion 2018

Vinous

95

byAntonio Gallonithe3/31/2021

The 2018 La Clotte represents another big move forward for this château under the Vauthier family. Bright, focused and tightly wound, the 2018 is going to need at least a few years to soften, but its pedigree is evident, even in the early going. Sage, mint, lavender, rose petal and blood orange meld into the vibrant, polished finish.

Wine Advocate

93

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe3/31/2021

The 2018 La Clotte is a blend of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, it slips seductively out of the glass with spicy scents of powdered cinnamon, cloves and Sichuan pepper over a core of stewed plums, boysenberries and kirsch, plus a waft of menthol. The medium-bodied palate possesses impressive energy, featuring bags of ripe black and red berries flavors with a lively backbone and fine-grained texture, finishing on a lingering mineral note.

The Wine Cellar Insider

94

byJeff Levethe3/16/2021

Aromatically, the wine grabs you with notes of flowers, thyme, licorice, kirsch, espresso and cherries. Medium/full-bodied, silky, fresh and pure, you find depth of flavor, minerality, lush palate textures, vibrancy, length and loads of crushed rocks in the finish.

Vinous

94

byNeal Martinthe3/12/2021

The 2018 La Clotte has a vibrant, expressive bouquet, a mixture of black and red fruit, violets, incense and background marine scents that are all beautifully delineated and gain intensity with aeration (this bottle was monitored over 2–3 hours). The palate is medium-bodied with saturated tannins and a fine bead of acidity, paradoxically exerting weight but feeling nimble and pliant. There is some new oak to be assimilated toward the finish, so give this La Clotte 4–5 years to fully meld together, because it will be worth the wait.

Yvesbeck.wine

94

byYves Beckthe1/26/2021

Vignoble de 4ha sur sols argilo-calcaire. Âge moyen des vignes de 55 ans. Élevage en barriques durant 18 mois. Le bouquet de La Clotte affiche une belle fraîcheur au travers de notes de baies rouges et d'épices suivies d'une agréable touche florale. Attaque fruitée et légèrement crémeuse. L'expression aromatique marque le palais d'entrée et perdure jusqu'en finale. Très belle finesse de grain des tannins qui s'imposent avec délicatesse, à l'instar d'une force tranquille. Finale vive, fruitée et persistante.

Jamessuckling.com

92

byJames Sucklingthe1/26/2021

Aromas of dried flowers, blackberries and cherries with hints of spices. Currants, too. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, juicy tannins and a flavorful finish. Fine tannins at the end. Drink after 2023.

Decanter.com

94

byJane Ansonthe1/12/2021

WeinWisser

18

byTjark Witzgallthe5/7/2019

Vinifera

94

byJacques Perrinthe5/1/2019

Très beau nez, expressif, floral et fruité, tout en complexité. Il développe une belle amplitude au palais. Toucher de bouche presque onctueux. Soutenue, la finale continue offre une significative persistance.  

The Wine Cellar Insider

93-95

byJeff Levethe4/23/2019

Medium/full-bodied, silky, fresh and pure, the wine has richness, depth, minerality, lush palate texture, length and a luxurious finish. This is a step up in quality for Chateau La Clotte. There is a real depth of flavor and opulence here in this vintage.

Wine Advocate

93-95

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe4/23/2019

The 2018 La Clotte is made up of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. Deep purple-black in color, it leaps from the glass with gregarious scents of crushed blueberries, Morello cherries and black raspberries with touches of oolong tea, violets, mocha and cigar box plus a waft of cedar. Full-bodied with a solid frame of fine-grained tannins and oodles of freshness, it is packed with vibrant black and blue fruits layers, finishing long with great purity.

Wine Enthusiast

93-95

byRoger Vossthe4/17/2019

A small percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in this blend makes a potent difference to a wine that already has great spice and structure. It is a powerful wine from an estate that continues to develop under Ausone's Vauthier family portfolio.

Jamessuckling.com

93-94

byJames Sucklingthe4/12/2019

A tight and firm red with dark berries and wet earth. Medium-bodied, racy and bright. Shows tension and structure for the vintage.

Jean-Marc QUARIN

94

byJean-Marc Quarinthe4/8/2019