2021 Château la Clotte, St Emilion, Bordeaux

The 2021 La Clotte is an attractive, soft wine. Bright red/purplish fruit, gentle spice, a touch of new oak and mocha come together nicely. The 2021 is a pretty, mid-weight La Clotte that will drink well with minimal cellaring. Franc aromatics, such a signature of this wine, aren't quite apparent. La Clotte does its malo in oak, and there is a bit of cooperage that needs to integrate.Drink 2024 - 2033antonio_galloni, Vinous.com.com (May 2022)

The 2021 La Clotte was picked on October 2 and 6 for the Merlot and Cabernet Franc, respectively, and matured entirely in new oak. It has a well-defined nose of black cherries and light blueberry fruit, floral as usual, though not as decadent as previous vintages (as expected). The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins and good density, though it may just be missing a little amplitude and complexity on the finish at the moment. Fresh, yet you feel it is holding something back. Very correct.Drink 2026 - 2046Neil Martin, Vinous.com.com (May 2022)

Fragrant blackberries on the nose, some bramble aromas and delicate rose florality. The palate is sharp: you get a real hit of tangy red cherry and raspberry juice. Acidity is to the fore, mouthwatering but with a chalky, mineral edge that softens the attack coming from the limestone terroir. This is lightly-framed and understated in its confidence. The fruit in focus with clarity and precision. Clear with a crisp bite then licks of salinity on the finish. A beautiful effort with plenty of freshness and one to seek out from the same team as Château Ausone.Drink 2026 - 2040Georgina Hindle, Decanter.com (April 2022)

Floral-berry notes. Tannins smooth and rounded. Acidity marked but just about enough fruit to match. Plenty of freshness. Clean, dry finish. A leaner version but terroir (limestone) evident.Drink 2027 - 2036james_lawther, JancisRobinson.com (May 2022)

It's a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc from the Vauthier family of Château Ausone.Aromas of sweet berries, cherries and rose petals, framed by nicely integrated new oak, preface the 2021 La Clotte, a medium to full-bodied, supple and charming wine that's beautifully refined and intensely flavored, concluding with a long, saline finish.William Kelley, Wine Advocate (April 2022)

85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc.Medium to full body with a creamy, supple tannin structure. Just-ripe plum fruit and dark berries with a touch of chocolate. Plush, yet so fresh.james_suckling, jamessuckling_com (May 2022)

La Clotte is one to watch over the next decade, a true insider's wine that is blossoming under the Ausone team (owners since 2014). This has gorgeous limestone character, sappy, plump but understated rich red fruit character and with spicy, herbal nuances that reveal themselves as it opens in the glass. Harvest October 2 to 6 (over those two separate days because this is just 4ha of vines). Conversion to organic farming since 2020. Old vines, average age 57 years, Thierry Lezin cellar master.Drink 2026 - 2040jane_anson_mw, janeanson_com (May 2022)