Appellations

Ausone 2014

St Emilion, Premier Grand Cru Classé A

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Tasting Notes

The 2014 Ausone, a blend of 60% Cabernet Franc and 40% Merlot, was matured in barrel for 20 months with 85% new oak. Compared to the Chapelle d'Ausone, this Grand Vin demanded gentle coaxing from the glass. It eventually unfurls to reveal mineral-rich red berry fruit, oregano, orange blossom and later on blackcurrant winegums. It displays superb delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with filigree tannin. There is an almost sorbet-like freshness conferred upon this Saint Emilion by the growing season, very harmonious and poised with one of the most precise and tensile finishes that you will find this vintage. One of the stars of the vintage, this may merit a higher score with bottle age. This is a great success.

Score: 95 Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2022-2045 Date: 31 March 2017

Pauline Vauthier told me that this year, there is more Cabernet Franc in the blend of the Château Ausone 2014: 60% with 40% Merlot. Both she and father Alain felt that some of the young, 10-year old Cabernet Franc was worthy of promotion into the Grand Vin, which represents two barrels. It was picked between 4 and 11 October at 27hl/ha and matured in 85% new oak rather than the 100%, a slight reduction as has been their policy since the 2011 vintage. It has a very perfumed, floral bouquet with dark cherries and blueberry with a touch of orange blossom that develops with aeration. The palate is imbued with a sense of freshness and joie-de-vivre - a less "serious" Ausone than in the past, but perhaps one that exudes greater terroir expression and tension from start to finish. I was quite smitten by this Ausone that comes across more self-effacing compared to other vintages, surfeit with style and panache.

Score: 93 - 95 Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2019-2035 Date: 01 April 2015

Fabulous aromas of currants, rose petals, dried strawberries and hints of lemon rind. Wet earth and chalk. Full and dense and so compacted and squeezed. What a texture. Phenomenal. Needs five to six years to open, but it’s a joy to taste. Amazing. Such energy! From organically grown grapes as well. I am in awe.

Score: 100 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com Date: 13 February 2017

A juicy red with beautiful blueberry, blackberry and mineral character. Oyster shell and iodine. Full and tight with 60% cabernet franc instead of 50%. This gives a fresher and more linear character of Ausone. Fine finish. Fascinating with such purity.

Score: 95 - 96 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com Date: 01 April 2015

The 2014 Ausone is a bit unusual in that the blend includes 60% Cabernet Franc and 40% Merlot. Rose petal, mint, crushed flowers and red stone fruits all flesh out in a racy, beautifully layered wine long on class and pedigree. Today, the 2014 is a bit inward, but the aromatics are striking, while the flavors are bright, chiseled and beautifully articulated throughout. Given the high percentage of Franc, I expect the 2014 will continue to grow during its elevage.

Score: 92 - 95 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com Date: 05 May 2015

Not especially deep colour. Very sweet but much better oak management than at one time. Chestnut intensity. And some freshness. But it does not leap out of the glass yelling ‘top wine’! Something a bit sinewy. Plays the sweetness and freshness cards rather than alcohol and density. Quite playful.

Score: 17 Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2024-2037 Date: 01 April 2015