Château HAUT-SIMARD
Grand cru
- 2020
- Saint-Émilion
Bought in 2008 by the Vauthier family, this cru, ideally situated between La Gaffelière and Canon La Gaffelière, has undergone major restructuring: the 10 hectares have been completely replanted to achieve a density worthy of a premier grand cru classé (12,600 vines per hectare).
The high proportion of Cabernet Franc in the blend (40%) tempers the sun-drenched nature of the terroir (south-facing), and gives the wines an elegant, long-lasting structure. Recent vintages have convinced us that Haut-Simard deserves urgent attention.
Like all Vauthier vineyards (Ausone, La Clotte, Moulin Saint Georges...), Haut-Simard began its conversion to organic farming in 2020.
The 2020 vintage is rated 92/100 by J-M Quarin "Meticulous on entry, juicy in the middle, with brightness of flavor and body, the wine flows straight through to a meticulously woven finish. Fine grain. Unputdownable." (March 2023)
Quoted in the 2024 edition of the Guide Hachette Vins "With 40% Cabernet Franc, this cru stands out eloquently. The well-matched woody and vanilla notes, combined with fresh cherry and blackberry, and the round, velvety character of the palate make for a convincing whole, sustained by beautiful freshness. An elegant wine with great potential."
- To keep or to drink :
- Wait 1 to 2 years
- Apogée :
- 2025-2039
- Organic certification :
- 2023
From the same producer
-
Bought in 2008 by the Vauthier family, this cru, ideally situated between La Gaffelière and Canon La Gaffelière, has undergone major restructuring: the 10 hectares have been completely replanted to achieve a density worthy of a premier grand cru classé (12,600 vines per hectare).
The high proportion of Cabernet Franc in the blend (40%) tempers the sun-drenched nature of the terroir (south-facing), and gives the wines an elegant, long-lasting structure. Recent vintages have convinced us that Haut-Simard deserves urgent attention.
Like all Vauthier vineyards (Ausone, La Clotte, Moulin Saint Georges...), Haut-Simard began its conversion to organic farming in 2020.
The 2018 vintage is rated 92/100 by J-M Quarin "Delicious wine, with a silky mouthfeel, developing fragrantly and without tannic angles. Delicious length. Here again, the Cabernet Franc plays a major role." (January 2022)
Also rated 91/100 by A. Galloni (Vinous) "The 2018 Haut-Simard is brisk and aromatically expressive, with mid-weight structure and tons of verve. Sweet red cherry, blood orange, mint, sage, lavender and rose petals all grace this beautifully layered, vibrant Saint-Emilion." (March 2021)More- To keep or to drink:
- Ready to drink
- Apogée:
- 2022-2034
-
Bought in 2008 by the Vauthier family, this cru, ideally situated between La Gaffelière and Canon La Gaffelière, has undergone major restructuring: the 10 hectares have been completely replanted to achieve a density worthy of a premier grand cru classé (12,600 vines per hectare).
The high proportion of Cabernet Franc in the blend (40%) tempers the sun-drenched nature of the terroir (south-facing), and gives the wines an elegant, long-lasting structure. Recent vintages have convinced us that Haut-Simard deserves urgent attention.
Like all Vauthier vineyards (Ausone, La Clotte, Moulin Saint Georges...), Haut-Simard began its conversion to organic farming in 2020.
The 2016 vintage is rated 91/100 by J-M Quarin "Meticulous on the attack, developing refined to the touch and melting. The wine evolves juicy and noble with great taste and a long, seductive finish. A delight" (April 2017)
Also rated 93/100 by N. Martin "The 2016 Haut-Simard has a top-notch bouquet of gorgeous, well-defined blackberry, briar and raspberry aromas that burst from the glass. [...] This is the finest Haut-Simard i have tasted. Excellent." et 92/100 par A. Galloni "Haut-Simard is one of the hidden gems in the Vauthier family's range of wines and a sleeper in 2016." (January 2019)More- To keep or to drink:
- Ready to drink
- Apogée:
- 2021-2036
-
The terraces of Moulin Saint-Georges (7 ha) face those of Ausone (same owner). Thanks to the quality of its terroir and the refined style of its wines, Moulin Saint-Georges is a sure bet in the appellation. As the Revue du Vin de France's 2024 guide points out, "quality has been impressively consistent for over two decades, and prices remain reasonable. The only regret is the quantities available...".
Like all Vauthier vineyards (Ausone, La Clotte, Haut-Simard...), Moulin Saint-Georges began its conversion to organic farming in 2020.The 2020 vintage in the press:
La Revue du Vin de France (Guide 2024): 92/100 “A well-made classic evoking beautiful spicy tones. It will develop elegance with time”.
Vinous (N. Martin - December 2022): 91/100 “This is the kind of nose that wants to be loved. The palate is very supple on entry, with fine tannins framing a soft core of black fruit, refining slightly on the finish. Modest, more impressive in terms of salinity than substance, this is a confident Moulin Saint-Georges.”
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 1 to 2 years
- Apogée:
- 2026-2038
- Organic certification:
- 2023
-
The terraces of Moulin Saint-Georges (7 ha) face those of Ausone (same owner). Thanks to the quality of its terroir and the refined style of its wines, Moulin Saint-Georges is a sure bet in the appellation. As the Revue du Vin de France's 2024 guide points out, "quality has been impressively consistent for over two decades, and prices remain reasonable. The only regret is the quantities available...".
Like all Vauthier vineyards (Ausone, La Clotte, Haut-Simard...), Moulin Saint-Georges began its conversion to organic farming in 2020.More- To keep or to drink:
- Ready to drink
- Apogée:
- 2026-2038
-
The terraces of Moulin Saint-Georges (7 ha) face those of Ausone (same owner). Thanks to the quality of its terroir and the refined style of its wines, Moulin Saint-Georges is a sure bet in the appellation. As the Revue du Vin de France's 2024 guide points out, "quality has been impressively consistent for over two decades, and prices remain reasonable. The only regret is the quantities available...".
Like all Vauthier vineyards (Ausone, La Clotte, Haut-Simard...), Moulin Saint-Georges began its conversion to organic farming in 2020.Rated 92/100 by Jean-Marc Quarin "Juteux à l’attaque, très savoureux, gras et même puissant pour le millésime, le vin s’achève long en conservant de la minutie dans le toucher. Ce millésime apporte une douceur supplémentaire qui convient bien à son type. C’est très bon". (Oct. 2020)
More- To keep or to drink:
- Ready to drink
- Apogée:
- 2022-2032
- Potential alcohol:
- 13%
-
The terraces of Moulin Saint-Georges (7 ha) face those of Ausone (same owner). Thanks to the quality of its terroir and the refined style of its wines, Moulin Saint-Georges is a sure bet in the appellation. As the Revue du Vin de France's 2024 guide points out, "quality has been impressively consistent for over two decades, and prices remain reasonable. The only regret is the quantities available...".
Like all Vauthier vineyards (Ausone, La Clotte, Haut-Simard...), Moulin Saint-Georges began its conversion to organic farming in 2020.More- To keep or to drink:
- Ready to drink
- Apogée:
- 2018-2026
- Potential alcohol:
- 13%
-
The terraces of Moulin Saint-Georges (7 ha) face those of Ausone (same owner). Thanks to the quality of its terroir and the refined style of its wines, Moulin Saint-Georges is a sure bet in the appellation. As the Revue du Vin de France's 2024 guide points out, "quality has been impressively consistent for over two decades, and prices remain reasonable. The only regret is the quantities available...".
Like all Vauthier vineyards (Ausone, La Clotte, Haut-Simard...), Moulin Saint-Georges began its conversion to organic farming in 2020.More- To keep or to drink:
- Ready to drink
- Apogée:
- 2015-2024
- Potential alcohol:
- 13%
-
Exceptional terroir of 4 hectares on a south-facing slope (like Pavie) at the entrance to the village of Saint-Émilion. Taken over in 2014 by the Vauthier family (Ausone), who is committed to highlighting the deep, juicy flesh of her grapes, with a confounding naturalness and a splendid aromatic radiance. La Clotte has everything it takes to quickly become one of the most cult wines of the appellation.
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 3 to 5 years
- Apogée:
- 2022-2033
- Organic certification:
- 2023
-
Exceptional terroir of 4 hectares on a south-facing slope (like Pavie) at the entrance to the village of Saint-Émilion. Taken over in 2014 by the Vauthier family (Ausone), who is committed to highlighting the deep, juicy flesh of her grapes, with a confounding naturalness and a splendid aromatic radiance. La Clotte has everything it takes to quickly become one of the most cult wines of the appellation.
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 3 to 5 years
- Apogée:
- 2022-2033
- Organic certification:
- 2023
-
Exceptional terroir of 4 hectares on a south-facing slope (like Pavie) at the entrance to the village of Saint-Émilion. Taken over in 2014 by the Vauthier family (Ausone), who is committed to highlighting the deep, juicy flesh of her grapes, with a confounding naturalness and a splendid aromatic radiance. La Clotte has everything it takes to quickly become one of the most cult wines of the appellation.
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 3 to 5 years
- Apogée:
- 2022-2033
- Organic certification:
- 2023
-
Exceptional terroir of 4 hectares on a south-facing slope (like Pavie) at the entrance to the village of Saint-Émilion. Taken over in 2014 by the Vauthier family (Ausone), who is committed to highlighting the deep, juicy flesh of her grapes, with a confounding naturalness and a splendid aromatic radiance. La Clotte has everything it takes to quickly become one of the most cult wines of the appellation.
More- To keep or to drink:
- Ready to drink
- Apogée:
- 2022-2033
- Organic certification:
- 2023
-
Exceptional terroir of 4 hectares on a south-facing slope (like Pavie) at the entrance to the village of Saint-Émilion. Taken over in 2014 by the Vauthier family (Ausone), who is committed to highlighting the deep, juicy flesh of her grapes, with a confounding naturalness and a splendid aromatic radiance. La Clotte has everything it takes to quickly become one of the most cult wines of the appellation.
More- To keep or to drink:
- Ready to drink
- Apogée:
- 2022-2033
- Organic certification:
- 2023
-
Second wine of Ausone, rare (1 ha in production out of the 7 ha of the Ausone vineyard), slightly less powerful but just as racy and energetic as the Grand Vin. And like it, it has a remarkable capacity for ageing.
Like all Vauthier vineyards (Ausone, La Clotte, Moulin Saint-Georges, Haut-Simard...), Chapelle d'Ausone began its conversion to organic farming in 2020.
The 2020 vintage is rated 95/100 by La Revue du Vin de France "La Chapelle d'Ausone 2020 develops a magnificent range of spicy notes, with ripe, sun-kissed fruit. A wine with a formidable concentration of dry extracts, underlined by the still present ageing. The tannic mass will melt quietly into a very dense matter, so dense that it will carry this wine serenely into the coming decades" (Guide 2024)
Also rated 95/100 by A. Galloni " Rich, deep and expressive, Chapelle d'Ausone 2020 is in a class of its own. Black cherry, plum, mocha, dried herbs, ginger, leather and dried flowers give Chapelle remarkable depth and complexity. This medium-bodied, exotic Saint-Emilion is full of character. The clean, mineral finish is an absolute beauty. In a word: dazzling" (December 2022)
And rated 93/100 by N. Martin «The 2020 Chapelle d'Ausone, raised entirely in new oak, is relatively backward on the nose, just like the 2018, and demands encouragement to eke out scents of blackberry, cedar, crushed limestone and a touch of pencil shaving. Very focused, though there is something bashful about the aromatics at the moment. The palate is medium-bodied and extremely pure, with pliant tannins and a silky smooth texture. Candied orange peel infuses the black fruit towards the mineral-driven finish. The more you remain in its presence, the more you feel the quality of this Deuxième Vin » (December 2022)
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 5 to 10 years
- Apogée:
- 2032-2045
- Organic certification:
- 2023
-
Second wine of Ausone, rare (1 ha in production out of the 7 ha of the Ausone vineyard), slightly less powerful but just as racy and energetic as the Grand Vin. And like it, it has a remarkable capacity for ageing.
Like all Vauthier vineyards (Ausone, La Clotte, Moulin Saint-Georges, Haut-Simard...), Chapelle d'Ausone began its conversion to organic farming in 2020.
The 2020 vintage is rated 95/100 by La Revue du Vin de France "La Chapelle d'Ausone 2020 develops a magnificent range of spicy notes, with ripe, sun-kissed fruit. A wine with a formidable concentration of dry extracts, underlined by the still present ageing. The tannic mass will melt quietly into a very dense matter, so dense that it will carry this wine serenely into the coming decades". (Guide 2024)
Rated 95/100 by A. Galloni " Rich, deep and expressive, Chapelle d'Ausone 2020 is in a class of its own. Black cherry, plum, mocha, dried herbs, ginger, leather and dried flowers give Chapelle remarkable depth and complexity. This medium-bodied, exotic Saint-Emilion is full of character. The clean, mineral finish is an absolute beauty. In a word: dazzling". (December 2022)
Rated 93/100 by N. Martin «The 2020 Chapelle d'Ausone, raised entirely in new oak, is relatively backward on the nose, just like the 2018, and demands encouragement to eke out scents of blackberry, cedar, crushed limestone and a touch of pencil shaving. Very focused, though there is something bashful about the aromatics at the moment. The palate is medium-bodied and extremely pure, with pliant tannins and a silky smooth texture. Candied orange peel infuses the black fruit towards the mineral-driven finish. The more you remain in its presence, the more you feel the quality of this Deuxième Vin.» (December 2022)
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 5 to 10 years
- Apogée:
- 2032-2045
- Organic certification:
- 2023
-
Impossible to resist the unspeakable complexity of its bouquet, floral and fruity, spicy and liquorice, as well as the incredible depth of its fresh and sumptuous finish. Great art, all the glory of Cabernet Franc on a limestone hillside. Alain Vauthier and his children, Pauline and Édouard, manage the 7 hectares of Ausone like a (very) great Burgundy wine. Magistral!
Le millésime 2020 est coup de ♥ du Guide Hachette 2024 « un volume imposant, une trame tannique riche et dense mais d'une finesse incomparable, cristalline »
Le millésime 2020 est noté 98/100 par La Revue du Vin de France : « Une magnifique texture veloutée enveloppe la bouche dès l'attaque, le cœur et la finale se lient avec plénitude dans un ensemble étiré avec grâce par des tannins dynamique d'une délicatesse immense. »
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 3 to 5 years
- Apogée:
- 2028-2045
- Organic certification:
- 2023
-
Impossible to resist the unspeakable complexity of its bouquet, floral and fruity, spicy and liquorice, as well as the incredible depth of its fresh and sumptuous finish. Great art, all the glory of Cabernet Franc on a limestone hillside. Alain Vauthier and his children, Pauline and Édouard, manage the 7 hectares of Ausone like a (very) great Burgundy wine. Magistral!
Le millésime 2020 est coup de ♥ du Guide Hachette 2024 « un volume imposant, une trame tannique riche et dense mais d'une finesse incomparable, cristalline »
Le millésime 2020 est noté 98/100 par La Revue du Vin de France : « Une magnifique texture veloutée enveloppe la bouche dès l'attaque, le cœur et la finale se lient avec plénitude dans un ensemble étiré avec grâce par des tannins dynamique d'une délicatesse immense. »
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 3 to 5 years
- Apogée:
- 2028-2045
- Organic certification:
- 2023
-
Impossible to resist the unspeakable complexity of its bouquet, floral and fruity, spicy and liquorice, as well as the incredible depth of its fresh and sumptuous finish. Great art, all the glory of Cabernet Franc on a limestone hillside. Alain Vauthier and his children, Pauline and Édouard, manage the 7 hectares of Ausone like a (very) great Burgundy wine. Magistral!
Le millésime 2020 est coup de ♥ du Guide Hachette 2024 « un volume imposant, une trame tannique riche et dense mais d'une finesse incomparable, cristalline »
Le millésime 2020 est noté 98/100 par La Revue du Vin de France : « Une magnifique texture veloutée enveloppe la bouche dès l'attaque, le cœur et la finale se lient avec plénitude dans un ensemble étiré avec grâce par des tannins dynamique d'une délicatesse immense. »
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 3 to 5 years
- Apogée:
- 2028-2045
- Organic certification:
- 2023
-
Impossible to resist the unspeakable complexity of its bouquet, floral and fruity, spicy and liquorice, as well as the incredible depth of its fresh and sumptuous finish. Great art, all the glory of Cabernet Franc on a limestone hillside. Alain Vauthier and his children, Pauline and Édouard, manage the 7 hectares of Ausone like a (very) great Burgundy wine. Magistral!
The 2014 vintage is rated 95/100 by N.Martin "The 2014 Ausone has retained that purity, pastillated red fruit on the nose, with hints of clove and bay leaf, perhaps almost Burgundian in its allure. The palate is medium-bodied, with fleshy, supple tannins that testify to its velvety texture. This is perhaps the most seductive of all the 2014 Bordeaux, and it blossoms beautifully towards an almost citrus-fresh finish. Magnificent. Tasted at Bordeaux Index's 10th anniversary tasting." (February 2024)
More- To keep or to drink:
- Ready to drink
- Apogée:
- 2028-2045
-
Impossible to resist the unspeakable complexity of its bouquet, floral and fruity, spicy and liquorice, as well as the incredible depth of its fresh and sumptuous finish. Great art, all the glory of Cabernet Franc on a limestone hillside. Alain Vauthier and his children, Pauline and Édouard, manage the 7 hectares of Ausone like a (very) great Burgundy wine. Magistral!
Le millésime 2020 est coup de ♥ du Guide Hachette 2024 « un volume imposant, une trame tannique riche et dense mais d'une finesse incomparable, cristalline »
Le millésime 2020 est noté 98/100 par La Revue du Vin de France : « Une magnifique texture veloutée enveloppe la bouche dès l'attaque, le cœur et la finale se lient avec plénitude dans un ensemble étiré avec grâce par des tannins dynamique d'une délicatesse immense. »
More- To keep or to drink:
- Ready to drink
- Apogée:
- 2028-2045