New Arrivals
Advanced Search
wine regions
quick links

Ausone 2012

St Emilion, Premier Grand Cru Classé A

Excel download

View All Vintages of this Wine

Units Size Case size GBP Price: Quantities Buy
Tasting Notes

One can’t say enough about the amazing job that Alain Vauthier and his daughter have done at this historic property on the decomposed limestone slopes of St.-Emilion. Not surprisingly, the 2012 Ausone is one of the candidates for the wine of the vintage. Inky purple in color, with notes of crushed rocks, spring flowers and blueberry and black raspberry, the wine grows on the palate, offering up amazing concentration. There is no heaviness or cloying characteristics. Pure, rich, full-bodied and, although accessible, it is capable of lasting 30 or more years. This will be one of the profound 2012s, following what Haut Brion and Mission Haut Brion did in Pessac-Léognan. Drink it 2022-2050+. (96+)

Score: 96

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2022-2050 01 April 2015

The 2012 Ausone is another prodigious effort that should turn out to be one of the longest-lived wines of the vintage. It boasts a dense purple color along with abundant notes of mulberries, black currants, blueberries and a hint of raspberries interwoven with spring flower and crushed chalk-like characteristics presented in a full-bodied yet ethereal, stylish, racy, noble manner. This is a high class, aristocratic, nearly perfect wine to cellar for a decade and then watch it unfold over the following 40-50 years.

Score: 95 - 97

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2013-2063 26 April 2013

Wild aromas of mint, spearmint, cool chalk and dark fruits. Full-bodied, tight, linear and incredibly long with a evening-stone, blueberry, cherry and mineral undertone. Crisp and extremely persistent. Iodine and oyster shell here to round it all off. Better in 2018.

Score: 98

James Suckling, Wine Spectator Maturity: 2018+ 01 February 2015

Wonderful aromas of blackberries and blueberries with flowers. Very Cabernet Franc. Full body, with intense fruit, tannins and fresh acidity. Tangy and lively. Minerals with lemon and orange peel undertones. Super lively. Texture is beautiful. Same blend as always. 55% Cabernet Franc and 45% Merlot.

Score: 94 - 95

James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com 04 April 2013

32 hl/ha. Two-thirds of the crop in the grand vin. 55% Cabernet Franc (picked 13, 15, 17 October), 45% Merlot (9, 11, 12 October) - very late. Fermented in small wooden cuves, (will have) 20 months in barrique, 85% new. Rich dark purple and inky. Touch of oak but not overworked. A touch reduced so has a smoky edge. Supple on the mid palate. Elegant and still richly fruity and a light Cabernet Franc leafiness in the empty glass. Great length. No excess of extraction or oak.

Score: 17 - 18

Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2022-2035 26 April 2013