Chateau Ausone 2013

WEINWISSER: "55 % Cabernet Franc, 45 % Merlot. Eine halbe Ernte: 9´000 Flaschen. Sattes Purpur-Granat, dicht in der Mitte, lila Schimmer aussen. Dichtes, blau-, bis schwarzbeeriges Bouquet viel frische Pflaumen, Teernuancen, Brombeerstauden, Rauchnoten, Kräuterschimmer, nicht weit ausladend aber dabei doch eine erstaunliche Tiefe anzeigend. Im Gaumen dicht, fleischig mit einer sehr guten Säure, mit leicht sehnigen Tanninen welche sich mit der generell passenden Adstringenz verbinden. Ein ziemlich massives Paket mit viel Power und Rasse, aber auch verlangend. Die Säure muss sich mit dem Weinfett und auch dem Barriquenfett bis zur Flaschenfüllung noch fondieren. Die generellen Proportionen stimmen und der Wein hat das vielleicht grösste Potential aller degustieren Saint Emilions. Für mich war es der Sieger von mehr als 200 verkosteten und total 95 notierten Weinen dieser Appellation. (19/20). 14: Ein paar Monate vor dem Abfüllen, direkt aus der Barrique. Selten habe ich einen noch so jungen Ausone so fein erlebt. Er hat nicht viel Druck, aber er entsspricht einer wunderbaren, sehr bugundischen Jahrgangsvariante. Für Finessenlover." Trinkreife: 2026-2050.

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "Probably the wine of the vintage, once again. Only 9,000 bottles of the 2013 Ausone were produced, as crop size was 50% of normal. However, proprietor Alain Vauthier and his daughter certainly have proven a truly great wine can be produced in some of the most trying conditions Bordeaux wine producers have had to deal with over the last 20 years. Yields were only 22 hectoliters per hectare and the final blend was 55% Cabernet Franc and 45% Merlot. The haunting aromas of wet rocks, spring flowers, blue and black fruits and forest floor are followed by an incredibly dense, attractive wine with sweet tannin, stunning concentration and texture, medium body and a depth that is essentially unreal in a vintage such as this. The wine is a superb example of great winemaking under the most difficult circumstances. Unlike more recent Ausones, this should be reasonably drinkable in 5-6 years and yet be capable of lasting 25-30." - Robert M. Parker, Jr.

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: 94 THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Deep garnet in color with crushed rock, black raspberry liqueur and flowers on the nose. Sweet, luxurious, sensuous and velvety, this wine pleases the palate with a burst of ripe plums. The oak is completely integrated. Finally, an Ausone that does not demand decades to come around! With a blend of 55% Cabernet Franc and 45% Merlot, the yields were only 22 hectoliters per hectare. That means that only 750 cases will be produced in this vintage. The wine is aging in 85% new French oak barrels. The Grand Vin represents 67% percent of the harvest." 93-95 Pts.

WINE ENTHUSIAST: "Barrel Sample. Although not the most powerful Ausone, this is still a serious wine, with ripe tannins and dark berry and plum fruits. It is structured, showing new wood characteristics and dense tannins, with freshness on the finish. At only 9,000 bottles, this is the smallest vintage production ever for this estate."

JAMES SUCKLING: "Very perfumed and pretty on the nose with cherry, flowers and chalk. Medium to full body, very fine tannins and a crazy finish of fruit and sea salt. Lively and intense. Better in 2018. Only 9,000 cases made."