Château AUSONE
Non-classified wine

Ausone masterfully expresses all the glory of Cabernet Franc on limestone slopes. Alain Vauthier, now assisted by his children, has always managed Ausone's 7 hectares like a (very) grand cru Burgundy: row by row, even vine by vine. It is impossible to resist the indescribable complexity of Ausone's bouquet, floral and fruity, spicy and liquorice-like, as well as the incredible depth of its fresh and sumptuous finish. Masterful!

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Bettane+Desseauve : 99/100 "With its unique blend, this Ausone marks a turning point. Peony, wild strawberry, Kampot pepper and mineral notes combine to create a fine wine that is delicate, chalky and silky, and built to age for many years."

J-M Quarin : 98/100 “Delicate on the palate from the very first sip, with a subtle richness that coats the palate, the wine is smooth, juicy, meticulous and sophisticated. After the mid-palate, it rises to a finish with a touch of positive austerity. Excellent length.”

La Revue du Vin de France : 96-98/100 "Ausone makes the most of its limestone terroir, delivering a depth and a level of finesse that are rare. With 65% Cabernet Franc, the tannins are perfectly delicate, with a remarkable length reminiscent of elderflower. As the 2025 vintage has yielded a single label, the second wine, Chapelle d’Ausone, will not be produced this year.”

Vinous (N. Martin) : 96-98/100 "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. 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."

Vinous (A. Galloni) : 95-97/100 "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. 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."