Appellations

Ausone 2013

St Emilion, Premier Grand Cru Classé A

GBP Price: Size Quantities Units status Actions
Tasting Notes

Follows the style of 2012. Accent on the fruit. Pure, elegant and digestible. Less density than top years but long, fine tannins for ageing.

Score: 92 Decanter, Decanter.com Maturity: 2020-2038 Date: 01 April 2014

A balance red for the vintage with a solid core of fruit and dense palate. Silky tannins and stylish character. Full body, with a outstanding intensity and finesse for the vintage. Hazelnut and minerals. Half the normal production.

Score: 91 - 92 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com Date: 01 April 2014

Deep blackcurrant fruit, supple tannins on the palate that grip the finish. A smidgen more concentration than their Chapelle, but it doesn’t scale the heights that you might hope for. That’s not to say it isn’t good, it is very delicious, but the quality is constrained by the vintage (17.5+).

Score: 17 - 18 Jancis Robinson MW, Richard Hemming, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2019-2033 Date: 01 April 2014

A beautiful and complex fresh black and blue fruit nose, very penetrating. Lovely and pure in the mouth with blueberry, rich plums and spice. Some complexity and a really appealing silky smooth texture.

Score: 91 - 94 Albany Vintners, - Date: 01 April 2014

The Ausone 2013 is a blend of 55% Cabernet Franc and 45% Merlot, picked from 2 to 6 October. Pauline Vauthier told me that the 10 days in July burnt away the pyrazine notes however, there is just half the usual production at 9,000 bottles. Interestingly, the Merlot character comes through more prominently on the nose that feels just a little monochromatic compared to recent vintages. The palate is medium-bodied with a fleshy entry, the acidity (pH 3.55) noticeable. The finish has a citrus freshness, not as complex as recent vintages but showing admirable persistency. This is a commendable effort in the context of the vintage. Tasted April 2014.

Score: 91 - 93 Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Date: 01 April 2014