2022 La Clotte (St-Emilion)

From a holding on the limestone plateau just outside the village, the 2022 La Clotte is one of the high points of the Vauthier portfolio this year, offering up attractive aromas of cherries, minty blackberries and raw cocoa, followed by a medium to full-bodied, supple and charming palate with a deep core of fruit, lively acids and refined tannins. 92-94 points

This is a wine that is worth watching every year right now, growing in confidence, precision, flesh, and terroir character. Brilliantly fleshy plum and raspberry fruits, chocolate, salinity, with a charred coffee bean edge. Harvest September 8 to 27. Conversion to organic farming began in 2020. 100% new oak, and new equipment in the winery, with smaller-sized vats. Great stuff from the Vauthier family. 95 points

The 2022 La Clotte is rich, sensual and super-expressive. An exotic melange of succulent red fruit, cedar, tobacco, dried herbs and blood orange opens in the glass. More than anything else, the 2022 impresses with its balance and integrity. Already quite seamless in presentation, the 2022 is a gorgeous wine in the making. The blend is 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, picked between September 8 and 27. Aging is expected to be 18 months. 92-95 points

The 2022 La Clotte was picked 8 to 27 September and aged for 18 months in French oak. It has quite a floral bouquet with a light marine/briny tincture in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with smooth tannins, fine acidity, some oak to be assimilated but it has a gorgeous creamy texture. Certainly a step up from the 2021, this is a fine La Clotte that should drink well for 15 to 20 years. 92-94 points