Pretty closed at the moment, from the team behind Ausone. Plenty of intensity of fruit, and also a sense of understated power. Give it time.
The 2018 La Clotte is made up of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. Deep purple-black in color, it leaps from the glass with gregarious scents of crushed blueberries, Morello cherries and black raspberries with touches of oolong tea, violets, mocha and cigar box plus a waft of cedar. Full-bodied with a solid frame of fine-grained tannins and oodles of freshness, it is packed with vibrant black and blue fruits layers, finishing long with great purity.
As the Vauthier influence continues to be felt, this is definitely a wine to watch this year. It's a powerful wine with this juicy, seductive texture to the fruit that you see in so many of the best wines in 2018. It's fleshy and brambly, with finely tuned tannins and gorgeous lift through the finish. Harvested between 27 September and 9 October. Right now there's a 10-year programme of vineyard restructuring under way, as well as drainage programmes, and the percentage of Cabernet Franc is set to rise. 100% new oak.
A tight and firm red with dark berries and wet earth. Medium-bodied, racy and bright. Shows tension and structure for the vintage.
The 2018 La Clotte is fabulous. In fact, I don’t remember a recent vintage that has been anywhere near as compelling as the 2018. Striking aromatics give the 2018 dimension and nuance. On the palate, the wine is every bit as arresting in its beauty. Rose petal, mint, sage, lavender and blood orange add vivacity throughout. The Franc really comes through in the wine's aromatic profile and saline-infused finish. I loved it.
Maturity Ready 2020 - 2028
Prices shown in bond
Maturity Ready 2024 - 2045
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