2023 Château Ausone

The history of Château Ausone dates back to Roman times. The estate is named after Ausonius, a Roman poet and statesman who owned the property in the 4th century AD. Ausonius is known for his work 'Mosella', a Latin poem describing the Moselle River and its surroundings. The property's association with this prominent figure contributes to its historical significance. The estate was developed throughout the Middle Ages, with various owners overseeing its growth. During this period, viticulture and winemaking practices in the region evolved, paving the way for Bordeaux to become one of the world's most sought-after wine-producing areas.

The vineyards of Château Ausone are situated on the limestone plateau of Saint-Émilion, known for producing wines of exceptional finesse and aging potential. The estate's vineyard is relatively small in size but is planted with a blend of grape varieties. Merlot and Cabernet Franc are the main grapes, with a higher percentage of Cabernet Franc in the blend, contributing to the unique character of Ausone's wines. The limestone soil and the vineyard's south-facing slopes play a crucial role in the production of high-quality grapes. Château Ausone is known for its dedication to quality and meticulous vinification. The vineyards are carefully maintained, and the grapes are harvested by hand to guarantee the best possible fruit quality. The winemaking process involves a combination of traditional and modern techniques. The wines are typically aged in new French oak barrels to enhance complexity and structure. Due to the small size of the vineyard, Château Ausone produces only a limited quantity of wine each year. The Grand Vin, simply called Château Ausone, is considered one of the most exceptional and rare wines in Bordeaux. The estate also produces a second wine called Chapelle d'Ausone, which offers a more accessible and rather drinkable option.

2023 Vintage

The large clay-limestone terroirs on terraces and hills played a crucial role in managing the climatic challenges of the 2023 vintage. Combined with the meticulous work of the winemakers in the vineyards, this ensured that the health of the grapes remained optimal as the weeks passed. Ripeness and balance reached perfection thanks to a dry and mild September.

The planted vineyard area covers 7.25 hectares, with an average vine age of 55 years and a planting density of 8,000 to 12,000 vines per hectare. The harvest dates for Merlot were September 14 and 19, and for Cabernet Franc September 25, 28, and 30.

The harvest and vinification were carried out manually with density sorting, followed by plot-by-plot vinification in small wooden vats and gentle extraction controlled by the gravity-fed rack-and-return method. Aging took place for 20 months in new barrels in underground caves. The vineyard is organically certified, and the blend consists of 60% Cabernet Franc and 40% Merlot.

The wine is vibrant and deep purple in color. The nose reveals a generous fruity character, with notes of raspberry and cherry. Scents of violets, spices, and mocha add complexity. The palate opens with a savory and balanced start, followed by soft tannins and the elegant aromatic freshness of Cabernet Franc.

Ratings: 99 Markus del Monego, 98-99 James Suckling, 98-100 The Wine Independent (L. Perrotti-Brown), 97-98 Alexandre Ma, 97 Jane Anson, 96-98 Vinous (N. Martin), 96-98 Vinous (A. Galloni), 96 Falstaff Magazine, 95-97 Wine A

FUN FACT: In the 'Attachments' tab, you will find the official factsheet for this fine wine. We will automatically send this to you upon ordering this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you come to collect the wine, you will often receive a nice discount . You will see your discount immediately when you select 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht, almost next to the A16, with ample parking. Click here for our address.