Excellent quality from the off, this is gripping and fragrant, again slimmer than in recent years but again capturing and harnessing the potential finesse of the vintage, peony, iris, cassis bud, crushed rose petals. The fruit a little less evident that the flowers, this is more about texture and minerality. Winery at La Clotte now totally finished, vineyard is almost 50% replanted, just under 3ha in production, with another three years before the whole project with reception facilties are totally ready to go. 100% new oak. Harvest 1 to 5 October. Philippe Baillarguet cellar master. 94 points

The 2024 La Clotte is a heady, engaging wine. Aromatic, deep and wonderfully dynamic, La Clotte shows the pedigree of this south-facing site. Rose petal, crushed flowers, mint, spice, cedar and tobacco all soar from the glass. Blood orange, red-toned fruit and white pepper open later. The 2024 is distinguished by its complexity and myriad shades of nuance. It is an especially fine 2024. Sadly, yields are just 22 hectoliters per hectare. As always, La Clotte speaks with eloquence. 92-95 points

The 2024 La Clotte was picked between October 1 and 5 at just 22 hl/ha due to coulure and millerandage. It was then macerated via submerged cap and aged for 18 months in new oak barrels. This has one of my favorite aromatics amongst the Vauthier family`s cuvees, with delightful wild strawberry, raspberry and iodine aromas, although it`s quite tight on the nose at the moment. The palate is medium-bodied with a smooth, almost silky opening, a fine bead of acidity and impressive precision on the finish. It is not as intense as the 2022 as you would expect, but this is a sophisticated Saint-Emilion that should age with style (if desired). 92-94 points