Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker, November 2018 - 99P: The 2016 Ausone is a blend of 50% Cabernet Franc and 50% Merlot. Deep garnet-purple colored, it's quite closed at first glance, slowly unfurling to reveal the most incredible perfume of violets, chocolate-covered cherries, warm black plums, Black Forest cake and roasted nuts with suggestions of charcuterie, wood smoke and cedar chest. The medium to full-bodied palate offers a quiet intensity of flavors that grow in the mouth to unveil layer after layer of black and red berries intertwined with beautiful savory notions framed by firm yet velvety tannins, finishing with epic length and amazing energy. It practically tingles on the palate! Neil Martin, Vinous, January 2020 - 97+P: The 2016 Ausone initially left me nonplussed, and so I left my glass for 10 or 15 minutes before returning to a different wine. The nose had opened up to reveal red cherries, wild strawberry, rose petals and touches of crushed stone and pencil shavings. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-boned tannins and perfectly matched acidity. This is very refined and fleshy, almost Burgundian toward the finish, with just the right amount of bitterness. A brilliant wine, but it needs time. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting. General information: Château Ausone is one of the most prestigious wine estates in Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, with a history dating back to Roman times. The estate takes its name from the Roman poet Decimius Magnus Ausonius, who owned about 100 acres of vineyards in the area during the 4th century. Location and Terroir: The estate is perched on the western edge of Saint-Émilion, featuring elevated vineyards facing south on steep terraces. The vineyard spans just over 7 hectares, making it one of the smallest premier estates in Bordeaux. The exceptional terroir combines a unique mixture of sand and clay on limestone, with the vineyards benefiting from ideal drainage and protection from extreme weather. Vineyard and Production Grape Composition:- 50% Cabernet Franc- 50% Merlot- Planting density: 6,500 vines per hectare Annual production is extremely limited, averaging only about 2,000 cases between both their grand vin and second wine, Chapelle d'Ausone. Ownership and Management The Vauthier family has been involved with the estate since 1690. Currently, Alain Vauthier and his daughter Pauline manage the property. The estate employs a combination of traditional and modern techniques, including methods inspired by organic and biodynamic processes. Wine Characteristics Ausone wines are known for their:- Delicate and structured nose- Rich concentrations of exotic fruit- Long finish- Exceptional aging potential- Strong minerality from limestone deposits The wines require significant aging, with good vintages continuing to improve for decades. Due to its limited production and exceptional quality, Château Ausone has become one of the most sought-after Saint-Émilion wines. Classification: Château Ausone's classification status has undergone significant recent changes: Historical Classification From 1955 until 2021, Château Ausone held the prestigious Premier Grand Cru Classé "A" status in Saint-Émilion, representing the highest level of classification. Current Status As of 2022, Château Ausone no longer participates in the Saint-Émilion classification system. Starting with the 2022 vintage, their labels only mention "Saint-Émilion Grand Cru" without any classification status. Reason for Withdrawal The estate withdrew from the classification system in 2022 due to: - Concerns about the evaluation criteria moving away from emphasis on terroir and wine quality- Disagreement with the short 10-year re-evaluation period- Issues with the increasing focus on marketing and tourism rather than wine quality This decision was made independently but coincided with similar withdrawals by other prestigious estates like Château Cheval Blanc. The withdrawal is not expected to impact Ausone's reputation or market position, as their prestige extends beyond the classification system.
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