-
100
/ 100
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW -
98
/ 100
James Suckling -
96
/ 100
Vinous -
97
/ 100
Jane Anson -
95
/ 100
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Red
Classification
Merlot Blend
Variety
2023
Vintage
750ml (Bottle)
Bottle Size
France
Country
Bordeaux, Saint-Emilion
Region
14.3%
Alcohol %
10-15 Years
Cellaring
Scores
100 / 100"A blend of 60% Cabernet Franc and 40% Merlot, the 2023 Ausone has a pH of 3.63 and a deep garnet-purple color. It is very mute and reticent to show its personality to start, needing a lot of shaking and pleading to coax out a series of intense scents: fresh blackberries, violets, licorice, pencil shavings, and tar, leading to an undercurrent of Sichuan pepper and fertile loam. The medium-bodied palate has wonderful tension and is incredibly taut and tight-knit, offering glimpses at layers of mineral and floral accented fresh blackberry flavors. It is textured by incredibly ripe, fine-grained tannins, delivering a very long finish, laced with mineral sparkles."
- Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW
98 / 100
"I don't think I have tasted an Ausone like this. The purity of fruit and fluidity is so primary, like perfectly picked grapes with their juice. Then there is citrus freshness. It's muscular, with toned tannins that caress the palate and give a seamless finish. This really could push the boundaries for the character of Ausone, in the way of finesse with structure. Watch it. 60% cabernet franc and 40% merlot."
- James Suckling
96 / 100
"The 2023 Ausone was picked September 14 to 30 and matured for a planned 20 months. It has a wonderful bouquet that is very floral in style and perfectly controlled, perhaps more refined than the 2022 (which incidentally had a degree more in alcohol). The palate is medium-bodied with a silky smooth entry, finely tuned with impressive mineralité. It just gently "rolls out" on the languorous finish. This is a more understated Ausone compared to recent vintages, but it exudes sophistication and could easily surpass the Vauthiers' 2022."
- Vinous
97 / 100
"Density and well-cushioned fruit, another stunning vintage of a wine that somehow manages to make an effortless impression, edges of cloves and grilled sandalwood, full of nuance and capturing the aromatics depths and heights of the vintage, gorgeous."
- Jane Anson
95 / 100
"The 2023 Ausone reveals an incipient bouquet of violet, smoke, dark wild berries, spices and cherries, all beautifully interwoven with creamy new oak. Medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated, with a rich chassis of tannin, it has a vibrant core of fruit and a long, mineral, vanillin-inflected finish. At 60% Cabernet Franc and 40% Merlot, this ranks alongside the 2014 vintage as one of the most Cabernet-dominant Ausone vintages of recent years, and it will mature for 20 months in new oak barrels."
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Tasting Notes
Château Ausone is truly a gem in the world of wine, and the 2023 vintage promises to be exceptional. Château Ausone has a storied history that dates back over centuries. Located in the prestigious Saint-Émilion appellation in Bordeaux, France, it is one of only four wines to hold the highest rank of Premier Grand Cru Classé "A." Its reputation for excellence is unrivalled. Château Ausone is known for its extraordinary aging potential. The 2023 vintage will undoubtedly follow suit, showcasing the hallmarks of a great Bordeaux wine. With its structure, balance, and depth of flavors, this wine will continue to evolve and develop over decades, rewarding patience with an unforgettable tasting experience. Château Ausone wines are renowned for their intense aromas and flavors. Expect a symphony of ripe dark fruits, such as blackberry, cassis, and plum, beautifully intertwined with hints of spices, cocoa, and subtle floral notes. The palate will delight with its velvety texture, refined tannins, and a long, lingering finish that leaves a lasting impression. Château Ausone produces limited quantities of wine each year, making it highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.
Tasting Profile
- Light
- Full
- Low Tannin
- Tannic
- Sweet
- Dry
- Low Acidity
- High Acidity