Chateau Ausone loomed like a silent steward of history on limestone cliffs in the centre of Saint-Émilion. It had witnessed generations of vineyard labourers care for the soil for millennia, their hands soft but rough, each grape a familiar acquaintance. On stormy evenings, locals rumoured that the spirits of former winemakers prowled the old basement, muttering the secrets of vintages long since passed.
Situated on the limestone hills of Saint-Émilion in Bordeaux, France, Château Ausone is a name that is whispered with reverence in the world of great wines. This famous estate has a centuries-long history that is full of folklore, tradition, and fine craftsmanship.
During the Middle Ages, Saint-Emilion became a major centre for wine production. Amid this change, Chateau Ausone was established, with monks who had mastered the craft of viticulture caring for its properties. The estate gained recognition over time for creating wines with exceptional depth and persistence. This history is reflected in the nearby limestone caverns, which now house rows of old, dormant barrels, and the chalky soil still gives the wine a distinct minerality.
A Tradition of Artistry and Resistance
Château Ausone was a family heirloom that was treasured for centuries. It was firmly in the hands of a family that farmed their vines with almost holy fervour by the 17th and 18th centuries. The history of the estate was not without hardship, though. Economic hardships, wars, and revolutions put the château’s and its stewards’ fortitude to the test. Despite this, the vineyard’s standing only increased, and European nobility began to seek out its wine as a luxury.
By the 19th century, Ausone had established itself as one of Bordeaux’s best wines. Eventually, Chateau Ausone was recognised as one of its “Premier Grand Cru Classe A” estates by the Saint-Emilion wine classification system, which was created to honour excellence and place it at an elite level that only a small number of vines ever attain.
In the 20th and 21st centuries, Chateau Ausone entered a period of modern revival while respecting its deep-rooted traditions. The Vauthier family, who now oversees the estate, has upheld the heritage of precision winemaking. Alain Vauthier, known for his passion and relentless pursuit of perfection, has introduced innovations while embracing organic and biodynamic principles to ensure the land’s sustainability.
The Wine: An Everlasting Treasure
Merlot and Cabernet Franc vines make up the majority of Chateau Ausone’s vineyards, which cover only a few hectares. The wines made from these grapes are a true representation of terroir, and the small scale enables extraordinary attention to detail. With a complexity that deepens as the wine matures in the chilly, centuries-old caves beneath the château, each vintage captures the spirit of the limestone plateau and the ancient soil.
The wine is renowned for its depth of flavour and intensity of scent, which develop over time like a narrative. A robust yet refined structure guarantees that it endures over time, as notes of crushed stone, violets, black cherry, and a touch of spice dance on the palate. Drinking Chateau Ausone is frequently compared by wine enthusiasts to travelling through time and gaining insight into the generations-old craft of winemaking.
The wines
1990 Chateau Ausone
The Chateau Ausone from 1990 is a stunning wine that has developed smoothly and is full of depth and elegance. Aromas of violets, graphite, cedar, and a hint of earthy truffle are interlaced with a seductive fragrance of blackberries, crushed raspberries, and dark cherries on the nose. A perfect combination of luscious red and dark fruits, complemented by fresh herbs and crushed stone mineral aromas, characterises the palate’s layers and refinement. Smooth, well-integrated tannins provide structure, and the wine is kept fresh and well-balanced by bright acidity. Its mineral and floral character is echoed by lingering flavours in a lengthy and beautiful finish. Showcasing the finest of Saint-Émilion’s terroir, the 1990 Château Ausone is a masterfully aged masterpiece that retains its exceptional freshness and richness.
