Chateau Ausone (Futures Pre-sale) 2011

"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.
Barrel Sample: 96-100"

100 Points

The Wine Advocate

"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.
Barrel Sample: 95-97 Points "

97 Points

Wine Enthusiast

"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.
Barrel Sample: 95-96 Points"

96 Points

James Suckling

"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.
Barrel Sample: 92 94 Points"

94 Points

International Wine Cellar