Chateau La Clotte Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2020

The 2020 La Clotte has a sophisticated bouquet with blackberry, violet, crushed stone and just a hint of truffle oil. It is very delineated, and the oak is beautifully integrated. The palate is medium-bodied, fleshy and caressing in the mouth. Maybe it misses some grip, yet there is weight and presence, with a long, poised and understated finish. Wonderful. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.

The 2020 La Clotte exudes depth and is intensely packed with dark red cherry, plum and blood orange fruit. Today, La Clotte is incredibly primary, with terrific fruit density but less in the way of aromatic complexity. That’s probably a very good thing for its long-term prospects, but readers will have to be patient. It spent 18 months in 100% new French oak, and there is some oak that still needs to integrate.

Anis, almond and marzipan on the nose. There is a subtle interplay of tannin and acidity, linear and direct, finishing up with a clementine and orange rind bitterness that also gives a sense of forward propulsion through the palate. Has definition and personality, and continues its improvements under the Ausone team. Moulin St Georges has more breadth, depth and texture through the palate - this has more of a limestone squeeze, giving plenty of choice depending on what you are looking for.