At a glance

Producer

Chateau Ausone

Region

Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France

Grape variety

Cabernet Franc, Merlot (blend)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Bone Dry

Typical price

$1200-$2200 USD (en primeur and early release)

Tasting profile

Dense, layered black fruits, violets, graphite, wet stone, intense minerality, tight structure, oak not yet fully integrated

Evolution: Will develop complex florals, cedar, truffle, savory mineral notes, plush texture, silky tannins, profound length over decades

At peak: Fully mature, supremely elegant, tertiary bouquet with seamless texture and profound depth

Structure

Acidity

Bright, balancing, mouthwatering

Tannins

Firm, abundant, exceptionally fine-grained

Alcohol

Medium to medium-plus (13.5% - 14.5%)

Aging potential

Extraordinary; 40+ years under ideal cellar conditions

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2032 to 2058

Optimal window

2029 to 2061

Current status

Ready to drink

Current condition

Tightly wound, intense, primary fruit; built for long-term aging

Chateau Ausone is celebrated for its longevity and complexity, evolving majestically over decades. The 2021 vintage, though challenging, benefits from careful selection and the estate's extraordinary terroir, ensuring classic structure and aging potential. The wine should reach harmonious maturity as its tannins soften and secondary aromas develop, typically from the 2040s onward.

Food pairing

Roast lamb, dry-aged prime beef, truffle risotto, mature hard cheeses, dishes with wild mushrooms or earthy sauces

Serving

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — The wine has firm and abundant tannins which benefit from aeration to soften and enhance its aromatic complexity.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Manual harvest, vineyard ploughing by horse, low chemical intervention, integrated pest management, cover crops, solar energy initiatives, limits on water use; glass reduction in bottle weight ongoing

Chateau Ausone’s commitment to sustainable viticulture includes organic farming processes (though uncertified as of 2021), biodiversity initiatives, limited use of machinery (horse ploughing), and ongoing glass/bottle optimization. While the estate has significantly reduced its environmental impact within Bordeaux, international shipment for this luxury wine contributes to a higher overall carbon footprint compared to local consumption. Overall, Ausone ranks above average for top Bordeaux châteaux in sustainability, but is not a leader in certified organics or full circularity.