| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Right Bank > St Emilion |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
Only three families have owned Ausone since the 14th Century. Alain Vauthier has made massive improvements since taking full control of the winemaking and management of his family property in 1997. The wines made here are now in a totally different league from those produced in the 1970s and 1980s. Ausone vies with Pétrus and Cheval Blanc as the right bank's top château. With production levels even less than those of Pétrus, Ausone has become one of the most in demand and hard-to-find wines of Bordeaux. The 7.25 hectare vineyard has an average age over 50 years, but some vines are over 100 years old. It is planted with 65% Cabernet Franc, 35% Merlot (less Merlot than before) and production rarely exceeds 2,000 cases.
The 2024 is 65% Cabernet Franc, 35% Merlot picked September 30th to October 5th. A very serious selection process resulted in a low yield of 33 hl/ha. ABV 13.67%. There will only be about 1,650 dozen bottles produced.
The 2024 Ausone was picked between September 30 and October 5. It aged for 20 months in new French oak from 5 cooperages with malo in barrel as usual. There is slightly less Merlot in the blend due to mildew and coulure during the season. It has a very pure nose with black cherry, wild strawberry and a touch of cracked black pepper in the background. It just misses some of the profound complexity that a top Ausone can deliver. The palate is lovely, though, one of the most velvety 2024s that I tasted out of barrel. This is very harmonious with a focused and sustained finish. Whilst it doesn't quite have the horsepower or sheer ambition of a top-drawer Ausone, this is a success for the vintage simply because it is endowed with greater substance and persistence. There's presence here. 2029 - 2055
Aromas of dark berries, toasty oak and rich espresso roast mingle with hints of petals and spices, introducing the 2024 Ausone, a medium to full-bodied, lively and sapid wine that's a blend of 65% Cabernet Franc and 35% Merlot. The tannins are nicely ripe, with some structuring oak tannin already lending a supporting presence on the finish.
Mid ruby in colour. This is a very fragrant and really quite floral Ausone, pitching with cherry blossom, rosemary and burnt sage, bolstered by a touch of sweet cherry underneath. The tannins form a layer of crunchy, sandy structure. Fruit and wood tannins mingle to offer a spicy and muscular mouthfeel against the high-toned fruit. This is an ethereal Ausone, one that relies more on its lithe, silky, floral overtones than the base notes of riper, darker fruit. As a result it is light on its feet, saline and moreish, finishing with cherry blossom, salted plums, soy and wood spice.
A really classic Ausone, reminiscent of the great ones of the 1980s. Medium-bodied, it has such clarity and brightness and length. Purity and precision with drive and focus from superb viticulture and winemaking. A blend of 65% cabernet franc and 35% merlot.
Deep garnet-purple colored. Soars out of the glass with fragrant notes of black cherries, black raspberries, violets, and sassafras, with touches of forest floor and fragrant soils. The medium-bodied palate is wonderfully silky with seamless freshness supporting the delicate red berry and floral layers, finishing long and perfumed. Stunning.
Yields were 33 hl/ha. 3.55 pH. The blend is 65% Cabernet Franc and 35% Merlot, aging 20 months in 100% new French oak barrels. This contains all the Merlot on the plateau and the old plots on the hill.
Deep ruby in colour, this delivers texture and flavoursome sappy fruits, clear winemaking skill that maintains estate signature. You feel the tightrope walk of minerality and fruit, and as in 2021 Ausone is at the very top of what was possible in the vintage. Cassis bud, peony, violet, cloves, jasmine flowers, chamomile, subtle complexity and layers that expand and build through the palate. The successful construction of this wine highlights what was so challeging to fully achieve with so many others in the vintage. Harvest 30 September 5 October, Philippe Baillarguet cellar master. 100% new oak.
The 2024 Ausone is pure sensuality. Intensely perfumed, pliant and silky on the palate, Ausone is haunting in its beauty. All the elements are so well balanced. Black cherry, lavender, mocha, espresso and exotic spice overtones all take shape in the glass. A wine of understated depth, the 2024 is impressive. Even in the early going, the 100% new oak is not at all evident, suggesting a wine with superior balance. The blend is 65% Cabernet Franc and 35% Merlot. 2034-2054.
