Critic Notes
The 2016 La Clotte is a blend of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc this year, picked on 12 October for the Merlot and 17 October for both Cabernets. Matured in 85% new oak, it has a fragrant bouquet with plenty of redcurrant, wild strawberry and rose petal notes, real gusto here but also elegance. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a beautiful line of acidity, great substance and fine mineralité on the finish. La Clotte was in a poor state in terms of old and missing vines when the Vauthiers took over the property in 2014, but it is rapidly becoming one of their standout wines alongside Ausone. Superb. Apr 2017, www.robertparker.com, Drink: 2022-2045
Score: 94-96 / 100Neal MartinDrinking Window: 2022-2045
The 2016 La Clotte is made up of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it opens with a beautiful floral nose of violets and roses over a core of crushed cherries, black plums and blueberry compote plus hints of camphor and coffee beans. Medium to full-bodied, the palate features super ripe, wonderfully fine-grained tannins and oodles of freshness seamlessly matching the delicate fruit nuances, leading to a very long, perfumed and classy finish. Nov 2018, www.robertparker.com
Score: 95 / 100Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate
This is La Clotte's third vintage under the control of Château Ausone. The wine has both the structure and acidity of the year. It is ripe, but at the same time really fresh. This could have some serious aging potential. Apr 2017, Roger Voss, www.wineenthusiast.com
Score: 93-95 / 100Wine Enthusiast
This is a beautiful red with a deep and beautiful palate that shows wonderful finesse and purity of fruit. Blueberry and cherry aromas and flavors. Medium to full. The tannins are so fine. Mar 2017, www.jamessuckling.com
Score: 94-93 / 100James Suckling
Succulent fruits, stone, fresh red plum and licorice start the show. Medium/full bodied with ample fruits, spice, herbs and earth, the tannins are smooth and the fruit offers character and charm. The wine was made from a blend of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. The harvest took place October 12 to October 17. I had thought the 2015 was going to remain their best wine ever, but with the 2016, this is a new level of quality here.
Score: 92-94 / 100Jeff Leve
The 2016 La Clotte is a gorgeous wine, but it is also quite closed in on itself. Deceptively medium in body, it packs a serious punch. The 2016 is a fascinating wine to contemplate, as it offers superb potential for the future. The interplay of aromatics, fruit, tannin and acidity is compelling, even at this early stage. The Cabernet Franc here is especially distinctive. Apr 2017, www.vinous.com
Score: 91-94 / 100Antonio Galloni, Vinous
An extremely precise, well paced La Clotte that shows the austerity of its late-ripening terroir. Fruits are well brushed and the strands of flavour are clear - blackberries, slate, cold ash and wild flowers. 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc from a yield of 30hl/ha, aged in 85% new oak. Apr 2017, www.decanter.com, Drink: 2025-2040
Score: 92 / 100DecanterDrinking Window: 2025-2040
Rich purple fruit notes. Very ripe. Sweet and rich. Could beguile and is very polished. Apr 2017, www.jancisrobinson.com, Drink: 2024-2038
Score: 16.5 / 20Jancis Robinson MWDrinking Window: 2024-2038
