Named after the 4th-century Roman poet, Decimus Magnus Ausonius, Chateau Ausone sits on the Right Bank of Bordeaux, in the prestigious Saint-Emilion appellation. Classified as one of the two original Premier Grand Cru Classé A estates (alongside Chateau Cheval Blanc), Ausone wines have been viewed as one of the region's top producers for decades, with the arrival of Alan Vauthier in 1976 marking a particularly strong period. Leaning on many generations of winemaking wisdom passed down since the 17th century, Libourne-native Vauthier understood the local terroir and how to embrace its best expression.
Chateau Ausone: One of Saint Emilion's Top Terroirs
Ausone's small 17-acre vineyard sits perched on rare limestone and clay soils on Roc Blancan (white rock), prized for its ability to encourage roots to grow deep, a common attribute amongst some of the finest wines in the world. Limestone is extraordinarily compatible with Cabernet Franc, a variety of incredible freshness and savory pepper tones. While the variety makes up more than half of the vines on Ausone's vineyard, Merlot is also included in the final cuvee, offering a more forward, juicy expression.
The vineyard sits on the southeast-facing slope, sheltered from the wind and harsh sun exposure. The nearby Dordogne and Isle rivers also help to create the perfect microclimate for the vines. Described as a nearly perfect climate with no weather able to harm the final bottling, Chateau Ausone's winemakers covet their local environment. Their dedication to organic and biodynamic methods is shown by promoting local wildlife, as hedges, fruit trees, and aromatic plants are grown near the vines to keep companions. Furthermore, insects, birds, and bats are kept in the vineyard to help the natural environment and aid vine growth.
Once the beautiful Merlot and Cabernet Franc are harvested, the grapes undergo maceration, vinification, and are aged in traditional 100% French oak vats for up to 24 months. Yields are low, as final production numbers only hit under 2,000 cases a year.
Chateau Ausone Cabernet Franc
Known for its Cabernet Franc-dominated wines, Chateau Ausone produces two labels each year: a flagship, Cabernet Franc and Merlot mix, and the second label, Chapelle d'Ausone, a Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon blend. The flagship label has drawn the attention of renowned critics and wine enthusiasts from across the globe. One of the finest vintages was the 2005 bottle, a rare quad-100-pointer. With perfect scores from Robert Parker, Antonio Galloni, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, and Wine Spectator, this wine has slowly risen to one of Bordeaux's most iconic bottles. Both Parker and Perrotti-Brown noted the bottle as having at least 50 years of drinkability, a truly rare and stunning achievement for a wine.
With multiple other 100-pointers and highly rated vintages, each Chateau Ausone wine offers a luxurious look into the best from Bordeaux. Browse our collection to add a bottle from this coveted estate to your cellar today.
Why is Chateau Ausone so expensive?
Chateau Ausone is one of the more expensive wines on the Right Bank due to the wine's limited production. Only 2,000 cases are released each year, increasing the demand and price.
What is the best vintage of Ausone?
The 2005 Chateau Ausone is typically regarded as the best vintage of Ausone. The wine is a rare quad 100-pointer, receiving perfect scores from Robert Parker, Wine Spectator, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, and Antonio Galloni. Other top vintages include 1998, 2000, 2010, 2015, 2018, and 2019.
Who owns Ausone?
Ausone is owned by the Vauthier family, who have been the estate's proprietors since 1690. Today, Alain Vauthier oversees Ausone, representing the family's 11th generation at the helm.
