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. It`s a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc from the Vauthier family of Château Ausone. 91-93 points

The 2021 La Clotte was picked 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 maybe just missing a little amplitude and complexity on the finish at the moment. Fresh, yet you feel it is holding something back. Very correct. 90-92 points

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. 90-92 points

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. 93 points