2011 Ausone (Ex Chateau 2023)
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Tasting notes
Tasted blind. Mid crimson with a pale rim. Nicely composed. A suggestion of Cabernet here. But a bit tart on the end. Much less ripe than B, C, and E [Chx Pavie, Cheval Blanc and Angélus]. A bit solid and uncompromising. Doesn’t woo the taster but maybe it’s just too young? Dry finish. A bit disappointing. (JR)
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Vibrant ruby colour, liqourice on the attack, cloves, smoke, blackberry purree, plenty of depths and nuance here, with a saline limestone character that gives punch and grip through the palate. There is a creaminess as it opens, and this is less austere than some St Emilion limestone-domiant wines right now, with the Ausone magic starting to assert itself. 100% new oak.
The 2011 Ausone is ripe and perfumed, quite floral in style, touches of cassis and violet coming through with time. It is just missing a little charm compared to its peers. The palate is plush and rounded in the mouth, quite a sensual wine with piquant red fruit, white pepper and clove, although the finish is just missing a little complexity and personality at the moment. A fine Ausone, though I would be inclined to drink this over the next decade. Tasted blind at the annual 10-Year-On tasting.
Tasted blind. Fairly simple garnet colour. Toasted redcurrants on the nose. A bit simple and sweet. No hidden depths here. (JR)
About the producer
Ch. Ausone is one of Bordeaux’s most respected estates. At this small property, perched atop a hill overlooking the town of Saint-Emilion, the Vauthier family produces some of the finest wines in the region.