Château Ausone 2021

We received a warm welcome from Alain Vauthier, whom I have known for 40 years! He let us taste fresh and packed with fruit de Fonbel 2022 (91p) and silky, tasteful, and well-balanced Haut Simard (90p) and equally lovely Simard (90p) from the 2016 vintage. We also enjoyed the very raspberry La Clotte 2021 (91p) and the riper and more intense 2019 vintage (92p). We concluded the tasting with the gloriously scented nose of cherries and cocoa and great midpalate 2021 Ausone, which scored 97 points, and the stunningly built and fat 2019 Ausone, which received a remarkable 99 points. Both wines beautifully combined power, elegance, richness, and a sophisticated touch.

The 2024 vintage at Vauthier properties is expected to be variable due to issues with millerandage and mildew, particularly impacting the Merlot grapes. The weather conditions in 2024 were unkind, with heavy rain during the summer and throughout the harvest.

Full-bodied, but so elegant and fresh, with a silky, elegant tannin texture. Very deep and expansive. Lots going on already with plenty of perfume. Blueberries, cloves, lavender and some wild-berry notes. Dark cocoa, too. Some espresso character at the end. Wonderful interplay of spices and fruit. Long. It keeps going. 96-97

Ruby. Scented, delicate, nuanced, bright, layered, floral and intense nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, blackberries, silky smooth, velvet, detailed, elegant and refined, the texture is unbelievable in this wine, beautiful! A very graceful wine. 12,7% alcohol. About 8000 bottles made. 96-98

A very special blend bringing 65% of Cabernet Franc and 35% of Merlot together. Intense purple colour with violet hue and black core. Ripe plums, juicy blackberries, hints of blackcurrants, very elegant. Discreet spiciness, hints of fine oak and discreet toasting, wonderful balance on the nose and palate. Ripe tannins, excellent length and depth. A great wine, quite unique in style, with outstanding precision, extra-ordinary.