La Clotte 2017

A blend of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc, the 2017 La Clotte displays a medium to deep garnet-purple color. It charges out of the gate with bold cassis, plum preserves and kirsch scents plus nuances of mocha, cardamom and tar with a waft of aniseed. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers plenty of invigorating, energetic fruit with very well-managed, plush tannins and a nice, long spicy finish.

The 2017 La Clotte was one of the Vauthier’s most impressive wines from barrel and now that it is bottled, I find no reason to change that view. It delivers gorgeous black cherry and raspberry coulis aromas, intermingling with sous-bois and crushed iris. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, fresh and vibrant, very well proportioned with a veins of _mineralité _ on the finish that might be a distant cousin of a very fine Loire. This is simply a superb Saint-Émilion that is rapidly making a name for itself.