Chateau La Clotte Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2023

The reworking of La Clotte under the Vauthier family continues to impress, and this is one to look out for. The terroir was always there, and the precise vineyard work is now fully accentuating the iris and lily floral aromatics, the arresting slate and pumice stone texture, where autumnal fruits are sweet and ripe, cassis pastille and raspberry puree, but they take second place to the fennel, annis, cold ash, rhubarb, lavender. One of my wines to watch in this vintage, demands attention.

The 2023 La Clotte comes from the vines opposite Ausone. Beautiful violet and rose petal scents on the very expressive bouquet that is almost Vosne-like in style! The palate is medium-bodied with svelte tannins, finely pitched acidity, very sensual and precise with a simmering tension on the finish. This is a superb La Clotte that deserves not to remain in the shadow of Ausone.

This is showing the limestone magic of 2023. Medium-bodied and very polished with a tight, linear structure, but purity of fruit and wonderful length. Silky texture. So bright. 85% merlot and 15% cabernet franc.

Deep purple-hued, the 2023 Château La Clotte offers a rocking nose of cassis, classy oak, graphite, flint, and exotic flowers. Based on 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc from a terraced hillside of 58-year-old vines and brought up 18 months in new barrels, it's medium-bodied, pure, and balanced, with nicely integrated oak, ripe tannins, and a great finish. I'd be thrilled to have bottles in the cellar, and it will keep for a solid two decades. Drink 2026-2045.

Crafted from vines planted in one of the best terroirs of Saint-emilion, the 2023 La Clotte, a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, reveals aromas of almonds, cherries, dark wild berries and raw cocoa, followed by a medium to full-bodied, lively and tense palate with youthfully structured tannins and a fleshy core of fruit with bright acids that segues into a long, penetrating and saline finish.

A blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, La Clotte 2023 is deep garnet-purple in color. Notions of mossy tree bark and dusty soil slowly emerge from the glass, giving way to a core of Morello cherries, juicy plums, and spice cake. The medium-bodied palate has subtle layers of red fruit and savory nuances, with satiny tannins and bags of freshness, finishing on a minerally note.