2016 Chateau Ausone, St Emilion grand cru, Bordeaux,
Chateau Ausone is a Bordeaux wine from Saint-Emilion appellation, one of only four wines as ranked Premier Grand Cru St Emilion.
The majority of Ausone’s grapes are Cabernet Franc and Merlot. They all reach an age of fifty years on average, while in some places, they are a century old. The seasoned terroir has always benefitted from the attentive care of winegrowers. The estate can be quickly covered on foot, which makes it easier to look after. No detail escapes the vineyard crew, who keep a steady eye on the rows while tasting the grapes. No pre-set calendar is applied. The fruit itself sets the pace and regulates everyone’s patience.
The Wine Advocate tasting notes - Rating (98 - 100) - Drink Date 2022 - 2070 - The 2016 Ausone is a blend of 50% Merlot and 50% Cabernet Franc picked 10-14 October and 14-19 October, respectively, at 40 hectoliters per hectare. It is matured in 80% new oak with a light toasting, a move that Alain and Pauline Vauthier have made in recent years just to lessen the impact of the oak. There is a palpable...stateliness about the Ausone this year. It is extraordinarily pure and articulates its terroir and any vintage I can remember over the last 20-odd years. It is less flamboyant than other Saint Emilion, more correct and precise. The palate is exquisite and accurate. I adore the beautiful balance of this Ausone, the precision and fineness of the tannin, and the effortlessness it conveys. This is classy and sophisticated, satin-like in texture with a long and sensual finish. Not an Ausone that is going to blaze across the sky. This is a cerebral, intellectual Ausone that will enter for many years to come.
Bottle size 75cl
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