Château Ausone, 1er Grand Cru Classé, St Emilion, 2010
Our overwhelming choice of wine of the vintage, Alain Vauthier's flagship wine is even more sensational than usual; we were spellbound! Produced from 55% Cabernet Franc and 45% Merlot from the finest clay and limestone with asterias soils in the Cote. Vines have an average age of 50 years old and yields are a modest 26 hl/ha. Staggeringly intense bouquet of crème de mûre, minerals, high toned morello cherries, forest floor, truffle and cassis. The palate is consummate, combining incredible intensity, depth and richness with fine detail and complexity. Multidimensional; velvety fruit content excites the senses with notes of cassis and bright redcurrants. Words fail to sum up the ethereal, beguiling quality of this wine; it is a complete show stopper with the most wonderfully refined tannins and a delectable mineral undertone throughout. Superlative.
critic reviews
This is precise, carved, confident, with palma violets, peonies and crushed roses floating out of the glass, luscious and yet carved, creamy fruits that are encased in steel. This one is nowhere near ready. A wonderful wine, huge persistency, with tannins that suggest decades ahead. This 2010 is still pretty reserved on the nose, even austere, but feels so effortlessly put together. Reminds me of the architectural angles that I was struck by during the 2010 vintage En Primeur tastings. Winemaker/cellar master Philippe Baillarguet, overseen by Pauline Vauthier and father Alain, 100% new oak for ageing.
The 2010 Ausone has a rich, opulent, modern style bouquet with crème de cassis and blueberry aromas tinged with crushed violet. There is plenty of new oak here. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins and a ton of blue and black fruit. It does not quite deliver the personality of its peers, although the velvety texture is very alluring. Maybe it will develop into something more interesting with bottle age, possibly going through a close phase? Tasted blind at Farr Vintners 10-Year On Bordeaux horizontal.