I would be surprised if any type III clematis didn't have blooms if it was planted last year. Most of mine have blooms the first year regardless of the original size since they bloom on new wood. In my zone, Etoile Violette has just started blooming. Be patient as it should bloom this year. If not, I would suspect it isn't getting appropriate nutrition, doesn't like its location, or something along those lines.

I have Etoile Violette, Ville de Lyon, Rouge Cardinal, Prince Charles, Princess Diana, Betty Corning, Venosa Violacea, Hagley Hybrid, Avante Garde, Helios, Bill Mac Kenzie and none of them has buds or blooms yet.

The only Type III's I have with buds are Integrifolias.

My Type II's are all blooming. I think III's are a lot later in our grey chilly Pacific Northwest climate.