Buying options
Tasting notes
A blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, the 2022 La Clotte is full of promise. Deep garnet in colour, spicy notes of cinnamon and cloves unfurl in the glass. The intensity of the nose is matched on the palate with notes of blueberry and crushed violets. Despite the warmth of the vintage, the wine is surprisingly fresh, the estate benefitting from its position on clay and limestone, resulting in greater water retention, as well as its old vines – averaging 57 years in age here. Medium-bodied, the round tannins are noticeable but beautifully integrated with the vibrant fruit. Recent vintages of La Clotte show progression year on year and the 2022 is no different.
Critic scores
Average Score
William Kelley, Wine Advocate
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
This is a wine that is worth watching every year right now, growing in confidence, precision, flesh, and terroir character. Brilliantly fleshy plum and raspberry fruits, chocolate, salinity, with a charred coffee bean edge. Harvest September 8 to 27. Conversion to organic farming began in 2020. 100% new oak, and new equipment in the winery, with smaller-sized vats. Great stuff from the Vauthier family.
Black plums, black cherries, licorice, and black raspberries with a floral edge lead to a richly-textured wine loaded with supple, creamy, soft, dark red fruits, licorice, spice, and salty chocolate that comes in at the backend of the finish. The wine blends 85% Merlot, with 15% Cabernet Franc. 15% ABV, 3.73 pH. Drink from 2025-2040.
85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc. Cask sample. Ripe, creamy red-fruit aroma. Lovely texture and flavour. Tannins very refined and plenty of freshness. Length and persistence on the finish. Harmonious. The best yet under the Vauthier regime (since 2014)? (JL)
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.