Château La Clotte 2018

La Clotte 2018 is a poised and characterful Right Bank Bordeaux, capturing the intensity and elegance of the superb 2018 vintage. Crafted from 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc, it offers a modern yet classically structured Saint-Émilion profile with remarkable energy and finesse. Now under the stewardship of the Vauthier family of Château Ausone, La Clotte has swiftly become one of the most exciting insiders’ wines of the appellation, marrying historic limestone terroir with meticulous, fine-tuned winemaking.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, La Clotte 2018 shows a medium to deep garnet-purple colour, hinting at both concentration and freshness. The nose is immediately seductive and complex, unfurling layers of powdered cinnamon, clove and Sichuan pepper over a core of stewed plums, ripe boysenberry and kirsch, lifted by a delicate menthol note. On the palate, this is a medium-bodied yet confidently intense Bordeaux, driven by juicy black and red berry fruit and a lively, vibrant spine of acidity. The tannins are fine-grained and silky, giving the wine a polished texture that frames its generous fruit without heaviness. A subtle mineral edge lingers on the finish, adding precision and length. While already expressive and approachable, especially with a short decant, this 2018 has the structure and balance to evolve gracefully over 10–15 years, gaining further complexity and tertiary nuances with time in bottle.

Production
La Clotte’s vineyards sit on the coveted limestone and clay slopes of Saint-Émilion, a terroir renowned for producing Merlot-based wines of purity, tension and mineral drive. The 2018 blend of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc is sourced from low-yielding vines, harvested by hand at optimal ripeness to preserve both aromatic freshness and structural balance. In the cellar, the grapes are carefully sorted and vinified parcel by parcel, with gentle extraction to respect the finesse of the fruit and terroir. The wine is then matured in French oak barrels, a proportion of which are new, bringing subtle spice and texture without overwhelming the naturally vibrant fruit character.

Food & Serving
La Clotte 2018 is a versatile food partner that shines alongside refined yet flavourful dishes. It pairs beautifully with roasted lamb, duck breast, veal chops, and beef tenderloin, as well as earthy mushroom dishes, truffle risotto, and aged hard cheeses like Comté or Gruyère. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) for optimal expression of fruit and spice. Younger bottles will benefit from 1–2 hours in a decanter to open up the aromatics and soften the tannins; more mature bottles can be gently decanted just before serving to remove any sediment while preserving delicate bouquet.

Producer
La Clotte is a historic, small-scaled estate in Saint-Émilion, whose potential has been increasingly recognised since its acquisition by the Vauthier family, owners of the legendary Château Ausone. Nestled on prime limestone and clay slopes close to the village, the property has long enjoyed an enviable terroir, but recent years have seen a renewed focus on precision in both vineyard and cellar. Under this stewardship, La Clotte has emerged as one of the appellation’s rising stars, producing wines that combine depth, elegance and striking minerality. Its growing reputation as an insider’s Grand Cru makes each vintage highly sought-after by discerning Bordeaux enthusiasts.

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