La Clotte 2016 (750ML)

95 Points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2016 La Clotte is made up of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it opens with a beautiful floral nose of violets and roses over a core of crushed cherries, black plums and blueberry compote plus hints of camphor and coffee beans. Medium to full-bodied, the palate features super ripe, wonderfully fine-grained tannins and oodles of freshness seamlessly matching the delicate fruit nuances, leading to a very long, perfumed and classy finish." 11/18

"91-94 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: ""The 2016 La Clotte is a gorgeous wine, but it is also quite closed in on itself. Deceptively medium in body, it packs a serious punch. The 2016 is a fascinating wine to contemplate, as it offers superb potential for the future. The interplay of aromatics, fruit, tannin and acidity is compelling, even at this early stage. The Cabernet Franc here is especially distinctive."" 4/17"

96 Points, Neal Martin, Vinous: "The 2016 La Clotte, part of the Vauthier family's portfolio, was outstanding out of barrel, and now that it is in bottle, I have no reason to alter my view. The sophisticated, beautifully defined bouquet features mineral-rich black cherry and raspberry fruit; hints of violet and bay leaf emerge with time. The sublimely balanced palate is sensual and refined, offering a fine bead of acidity and a silky-smooth texture. The very persistent, refined finish is exceptional. This must surely be the hidden gem of Saint-Émilion in 2016. It's just a shame that only 10,000 bottles were produced. Try to buy one." 12/18

"93-94 Points, James Suckling: ""This is a beautiful red with a deep and beautiful palate that shows wonderful finesse and purity of fruit. Blueberry and cherry aromas and flavors. Medium to full. The tannins are so fine."" 4/17 "

95 Points, Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com: "An estate purchase by the team at Ausone in 2014, the 2016 Château La Clotte is a brilliant wine that delivers everything you could want from this vintage. Made from 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Cabernet Franc, its deep purple color is followed by a medium to full-bodied, classic Saint-Emilion that has ultra-fine tannins, terrific balance, and a beautiful perfume of flowers, toasted bread, graphite, cassis, and black raspberries. Seemingly all about finesse and elegance, with flawless purity of fruit, it still packs plenty of intensity and length. It surpasses the 2015 and has 20-25 years of prime drinking ahead of it." 2/19