Only three families have owned Ausone since the 14th Century, with the Vauthier family taking full control in 1997. Alain Vauthier has made massive improvements since and the wines made here are now in a totally different league from those produced in the 1970s and 1980s. Ausone now vies with Pétrus and Cheval Blanc as the right bank's top château.

Production levels are very small – rarely exceeding 2,000 cases - and 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 55% Cabernet Franc, 45% Merlot.