Ausone 2004

Ausone

Case Format: 6x75cl

Max score: 95.0

Ausone battles with Petrus and Cheval Blanc as the Right Bank’s top Château. With production levels even less than those of Petrus, Ausone has become one of the most sought-after wines of Bordeaux. Cabernet Franc is the star here, balanced with the roundness of Merlot and a light touch of Cabernet Sauvignon to produce a blend that is typical of Saint-Émilion. But there is nothing of the ordinary with Château Ausone, whose unique terroir has led to a distinct and spectacular flavour profile that is layered with minerality. Its breath-taking landscape is peppered with belts of rocks and collapsed quarries, which not only enhance the flavour profile of the fruit, but shelter the vineyards from north and west winds, creating the ideal microclimate for cultivation. Only one of four wines to have been awarded Saint-Émilion’s Grand Cru Classe “A”, Château Ausone presents a balanced, crisp and defined wine that lingers on the palate long after each sip.

IN BOND

CRITIC REVIEWS

94+
Robert M. Parker, Jr.

One of the vintage’s most compelling wines (what’s new about that?), Alain Vauthier’s beloved 2004 Ausone has closed down considerably since I tasted it out of barrel, but it remains among the most concentrated wines of the vintage. Furthermore, along with Petrus, it will probably be the longest-lived. A dense purple color is accompanied by a celestial perfume of blue and black fruits, wet stones, flowers, and incense. On the palate, the wine exhibits exceptional power and concentration, but this historic terroir has also provided a surreal lightness to the wine’s impression. Beautiful flavors, sensational depth, and abundant structure suggest this 2004 will not be close to full maturity for 8-10 years. It should last for four decades.

17+
Jancis Robinson

Very dark blackish purple. Looks quite shiny. Very reticent on the nose. Quite strict – much more austere than other recent Vauthier vintages. Lots of taut, very fine tannins, very much a long–term wine which may need quite a few months more to show at its best. Fine grained, the palate builds towards the very long finish. For the moment this is a taut spring that is all promise and little current pleasure.

DELIVERY INFORMATION

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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CASE FORMAT

MAX CRITIC SCORE

95.0

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Cru Wine Ltd.

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