| 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 2025 is 65% Cabernet Franc, 30% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Picked September 2nd to 23rd. A yield of 30 hl/ha and at this stage they don't think that they have enough wine to make the 2nd label - Chapelle d'Ausone. ABV 13.70%. There will only be about 1,500 dozen bottles produced.
A blend of 65% Cabernet Franc, 30% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2025 Château Ausone unwinds in the glass with notes of sweet raspberries and mulberries mingled with notions of mint, rose petals and blood orange. Medium- to full-bodied, lively and perfumed, with lovely energy, exquisitely refined tannins and a bright, precise finish, it shows extraordinary potential. Some discreet changes are underway at this address, with picking (between September 2 and 23) broken up plot by plot to a greater degree; a review of the estate's cooperage choices in pursuit of better integration; and, at least this year, no second wine for the first time since 1994—given the quality of Ausone's terroir and vine material, that seems entirely reasonable. The result is one of the most refined, classy Ausone vintages in recent years, and it will be exciting to follow these evolutions over the years to come.
The 2025 Ausone represents the entirety of the vineyard this year after trial blends convinced the Vauthiers not to make a Chapelle d’Ausone. There is also 5% Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend for the first time, from five tiny plots located on a terrace close to the quarry, so that heat reflects off the wall to ensure ripening. It was picked between September 2 and 23. Almost immediately, I noticed how that soupçon of Cabernet Sauvignon tilts the style of the Grand Vin in a different and, to my mind, positive direction. Beautifully defined, a little more sapid, perhaps just a tad less precocious than usual, there is a sense of classicism in this Ausone that I admire, terroir over growing season perhaps? The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, real depth, silky smooth, with layers of blackberry and raspberry fruit and hints of white pepper and clove. Very long, with a peacock's tail on the finish, this is a fascinating and alluring Ausone that will age with style. Drink: 2035 - 2065
Deep in colour with redolent fruit and flowers bursting through on the nose, which holds together indulgent mocha and incense oak and real sweetness of fruit with ease. The palate is rich and full, notes of cassis, liquorice and roasted plum all come through, but there is a sense of energy and lift with bright acidity and chalky, yet ripe tannins. This is a ripe, impressive wine yet measured and deep in structure and spice. A luxuriant yet refreshing Ausone with a very long finish. A very impressive effort this year.
A high-definition wine. Wow. The aromas are incredible, with roses, strawberries and crushed stones. So perfumed. It’s the magic of perfectly ripe cabernet franc. Medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannins and a firm and silky finish. Sublime length and mouthfeel. Cool, subtle, sophisticated and stunning. So much definition. 13.7% alcohol. A blend of 65% cabernet franc, 30% merlot and 5% cabernet sauvignon.
Nuanced layers of rose petals and iris flowers, knitted down, textural and expansive, will take its sweet time to uncoil and uncurl, but you can see exactly how rewarding it will be to follow its journey. A stunning example of Ausone. Harvest September 2 to 23. No Chapelle. 30hl/h yield, 3.5ph, 100% new oak. 2034-2050.
The 2025 Ausone is powerful, dense and packed to the core. Readers will have to be patient with the 2025, as it is quite reticent. In 2025, the Vauthier family did not produce a second wine at Ausone. Consequently, the blend in the Grand Vin is a bit different than in most years, at 65% Cabernet Franc, 30% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Time in the glass brings out hints of blood orange, rose petal, mint and raspberry jam. It will be fascinating to see how the 2025 ages. 2035-2075
