2025 Château Ausone

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The 2025 Château Ausone undoubtedly ranks among the greatest wines of Bordeaux. In 2025, this iconic estate from Saint-Émilion presents a wine that unites power and finesse in an exceptional way. Notably, for the first time since 1994, all wine produced has been included in the Grand Vin designation. No Chapelle d'Ausone was made, making this vintage the most complete expression of the terroir. Furthermore, the addition of 5% Cabernet Sauvignon brings a new dimension to the Ausone style.

One of the great terroirs of Saint-Émilion

Château Ausone has belonged to the absolute elite of Bordeaux for centuries. The estate is situated on the south side of the village of Saint-Émilion, where the vineyards are planted on a unique combination of limestone and clay. The Vauthier family has been cultivating the same plots here for eleven generations, located above the famous underground limestone quarries that play an important role during the maturation of the wine.

With only 7.25 hectares, Ausone is one of the smallest Premiers Grands Crus Classés A in Bordeaux. The average age of the vines is no less than 57 years, while some plots are considerably older. The combination of old vines, low yields, and calcareous soils results in a unique wine that seeks finesse rather than power.

Vintage 2025: fully Grand Vin

2025 was characterized by a warm and dry growing season. The grapes remained relatively small and developed thick skins, resulting in a natural concentration without loss of freshness. An early heatwave in late June left a clear mark on the growing season, but thanks to various adjustments in the vineyard, the Ausone team managed to maintain the balance optimally.

Additionally, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon was included in the blend for the first time. These grapes come from five small plots near the limestone quarry, where the warmth of the limestone wall guarantees sufficient ripening. According to the Vauthier family, this addition gave extra tension, freshness, and classic structure to the final wine.

The harvest took place between September 2 and 23. Each plot was harvested separately and vinified in small wooden vats. Extractions were carried out extremely gently by gravity, after which the wine aged for twenty months in new French oak barrels in the estate's historic underground cellars.

Cabernet Franc in the leading role

The blend consists of 65% Cabernet Franc, 30% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. This makes the 2025 vintage one of the most Cabernet Franc-driven Ausones of recent years. It is precisely this grape that appears to have reached an exceptional level in 2025.

On the nose, the wine opens with a refined bouquet of wild raspberries, mulberries, violets, rose petals, orange zest, and fresh mint. Additionally, layers of white pepper, clove, limestone, graphite, and subtle spices emerge.

On the palate, Ausone displays its impressive precision. The wine is medium to full-bodied, yet possesses a remarkable lightness. The tannins are velvety and refined, while the chalky subsoil ensures constant tension and freshness. Blackberries, raspberries, flowers, herbs, and mineral notes build layer by layer toward an impressively long finish.

What makes this vintage special is the combination of power and restraint. Everything seems perfectly balanced. The wine does not seek excess, but convinces through detail, precision, and length.

Professional reviews

James Suckling awarded the 2025 Château Ausone an impressive 99-100 points and speaks of a wine with incredible aromatic definition, silky tannins, and a sublime length.

William Kelley of The Wine Advocate rated the wine 97-99 points and calls it one of the most refined and elegant Ausone vintages of recent years. He highlights the energy, precision, and exceptionally refined tannins.

Neal Martin awarded 96-98 points and particularly praises the classic style, depth, and impressive length of the wine. According to him, the addition of Cabernet Sauvignon gives the wine a positive extra dimension.

Drinking window and food and wine pairings

The 2025 Château Ausone possesses exceptional aging potential. Although the wine shows great refinement when young, it will only come into its own fully after a decade. The expected drinking window runs from 2035 to 2065.

At maturity, Ausone pairs beautifully with pigeon, roe deer, venison, lamb, truffle dishes, veal sweetbreads, and refined classic French cuisine. Due to its finesse, the wine calls for elegant preparations rather than sheer power.