Château La Clotte 2018

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 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.

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

Dark, intense, and beautiful color. Very aromatic nose, fine, fruity, and subtle. This perfumed nuance is rather rare in Saint-Emilion. Delicate on the attack, juicy mid-palate, flavorful with a powerful body, the wine flows down on the finish, slightly chalky in its texture, yet refined. Expressive! It's superb.

This estate is continuing its rise under the tutelage of the Vauthier family of Château Ausone. With firm tannins, dark black fruits, smoky flavors and touches of spice, the wine will need time. Drink from 2026.