Cory Gowan, JJ Buckley, April 2012

55% cabernet franc, 45% merlot. Vines are planted on 7 hectares of predominantly limestone soils, with a density of 6,500 vines per hectare. Always a perfectionist, Alain Vauthier meticulously sorted his 2011 harvest berry by berry in order to keep quality high. He compares the 2011 to a hypothetical blend of 2006 and 2008. Inky purple color. Pretty primary out of barrel, with aromas of fresh tar, ripe purple fruit, violets and minerals. Extremely elegant and smooth on the palate with loads of red fruit and sweet tannins. The tannic structure is evocative of Ausone's trademark length. When combined with the fully ripe, old vine cabernet franc there is fragrance and structure in spades. This is all finesse, not power. Enjoy 2020-2030+.

96 points,

James Suckling, jamessuckling.com, April 2012

This is a wonderful young red with orange peal, mineral, spice and berry. Full and super fine. Great length. A gorgeous wine. The old vines of Cabernet Franc make the difference here. Great harmony.

93 -95 points,

Neal Martin's Wine Journal, April 2012

The Grand Vin is a blend of 55% Cabernet Franc and 45% Merlot, cropped at 29hl/ha. It has a comparatively luscious bouquet for the vintage with layers of ripe dark cherry and cassis fruit on the nose that are cloaked in vanillary new oak. It possesses an almost Burgundy-like purity. The palate is medium-bodied with velvety tannins, perfect balance and wonderful composure. The acidity is nigh on perfect, the focus and delineation beguiling. There is no explosion on the finish, just unbridled finesse. Outstanding. Tasted April 2012.

96 -100 points,

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, April 2012

Not surprisingly, Alain Vauthier's 2011 Ausone is one of the greatest wines he has produced. I know this sounds impossible, but it is the reason why I spend so much time tasting and reflecting on what is in front of me. The 2011 could turn out to be better than his 2009 - sacre bleu! Probably the wine of the vintage, the 2011 exhibits a murky, inky, blue/purple color as well as an extraordinary nose of creme de cassis, plum sauce, crushed rocks (primarily chalk), acacia flowers and hints of graphite, truffles and damp forest floor. The riveting aromatics are followed by a wine that does not let the taster down in the mouth. Full-bodied with extraordinary purity, oozing richness and well-integrated velvety tannins, acidity, oak and alcohol, this is another superb achievement by Vauthier from this phenomenal site on the decomposed limestone hillsides of St.-Emilion. Possibly the longest-lived wine of the vintage, it should evolve for 30-40 years. Since few of us can afford Ausone (or even find it, assuming we have the discretionary income necessary to purchase it), readers should seek out the second wine, which usually represents one-third of the entire production.

92 -94 points,

Stephen Tanzer's IWC, May 2012

Fully saturated purple-ruby. Intense, rich aromas of cassis, ripe blackberry and violet, with a whiff of aromatic oak. Creamy, dense and full on entry, then tannic and oaky, with a peppery chocolate character complementing ripe cassis fruit. Finishes very long, but with slightly tough tannins today.

95 -97 points,

Wine Enthusiast, May 2012

A deliciously-perfumed wine, with a dark and intense tannic structure. It is spiced and concentrated, with a plum character and great richness on the finish.

About Winery

Ausone is in the middle of the Saint Emilion appellation. It is on a hill directly south of the picturesque town of Saint Emilion.Chateau Ausone produces a second wine called Chapelle d'Ausone. Classification: Grand Cru Classé A (The highest rating for a Saint Emilion.) Chateau Ausone is the best of the best with regard to Saint Emilion.

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