Chateau La Clotte Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2016

The 2016 La Clotte, part of the Vauthier family's portfolio, was outstanding out of barrel, and now that it is in bottle, I have no reason to alter my view. The sophisticated, beautifully defined bouquet features mineral-rich black cherry and raspberry fruit; hints of violet and bay leaf emerge with time. The sublimely balanced palate is sensual and refined, offering a fine bead of acidity and a silky-smooth texture. The very persistent, refined finish is exceptional. This must surely be the hidden gem of Saint-Émilion in 2016. It’s just a shame that only 10,000 bottles were produced. Try to buy one.

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.

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.

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.

Most of the Vauthier family's 2016s are incredibly inviting, but La Clotte is an exception. Today it is the wine's tannin and overall structure that dominate. To be sure, the 2016 was far more expressive en primeur. There is good depth to the fruit, but the wine is not in a mood to show all of its cards. The 2016 is 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc.