CHÂTEAU AUSONE
BORDEAUX, FRANCE 2021
Why Buy: A potential 100-point masterpiece from one of Saint-Émilion's most revered and sought-after estates, and one of the hardest to source commercially, too. The Wine Advocate has already declared it a "strong candidate for the title of wine of the vintage” — and we’re right there with them. We seldom offer Ausone outside of our exclusive Bordeaux Futures program, so, folks, I encourage you to take full advantage of this rare opportunity to secure an utterly spellbinding Bordeaux from a jewel box-sized estate whose output remains vanishingly small. Little more than 2,000 cases are made each year, or, to put that in more graphic terms, about 1/20th of what a grande dame like Lafite produces.
What They're Saying: "A strong candidate for the title of wine of the vintage," The Wine Advocate wrote, this Ausone 2021 is a "profound" expression, "seamless and sensual, with a satiny attack that segues into a deep, layered mid-palate of breathtaking precision and intensity without weight. ... Represents the essence of this great limestone terroir."
Our Tasting Notes: You know you're in the presence of greatness from the very first nosing of the glass, a bewitching mix of dark berry compote, violets, and warm spice. Then you take your first sip, seamless flow of intense and velvety flavors that seem to melt as they move across the palate — lush blackberry, freshly cracked black pepper, a hint of graphite minerality. Yet for all its power and concentration, there's an underlying grace and refinement here, with a caressing texture that sends you to a finish of breathtaking length and precision.
The Story: Built upon ancient Roman foundations, Château Ausone is the smallest property in Saint-Émilion, yet its wines are among the most sought after in all of Bordeaux. This diminutive estate has long been considered one of the true pinnacles of winemaking artistry, a status cemented by the meticulous, hands-on approach of its current steward, the inimitable Alain Vauthier. Vauthier's keen understanding of Ausone's singular terroir and his dedication to sustainable viticulture have allowed him to expertly guide this tiny titan into the pantheon of Bordeaux's greatest. And while the estate's minuscule production "makes it nearly impossible to find commercially," as the legendary Robert Parker Jr. once observed, those lucky enough to secure an allocation are rewarded with wines of unparalleled depth, complexity, and age-worthiness. It's a testament to the enduring brilliance of this revered domain, where tradition and innovation converge to create some of the world's most compelling and collectible Bordeaux.
The Specs: This is a classic Right Bank blend, composed of nearly two-thirds Cabernet Franc and just over one-third Merlot. After a gentle destemming and careful sorting, the grapes underwent a temperature-controlled fermentation, with regular pump-overs and punch-downs to extract optimal color, flavor, and tannin. The wine then spent 18-20 months aging in fine French oak barrels, a portion of them new, imparting subtle notes of spice and vanilla that seamlessly integrate with the wine's inherent depth and power.
What to Pair It With: Its lush, velvety profile makes it the ultimate dance partner for grilled or braised beef dishes, duck confit, rich mushroom preparations, and rich, savory stews.
Fun Fact: While Château Ausone may be best known for its world-class red wines, the estate also produces a small amount of white wine — a rarity in the Saint-Émilion appellation. Crafted primarily from Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, this Bordeaux Blanc is a jealously guarded secret among the region's most discerning palates.
Our Guarantee: Remember, friends — we always buy and source direct, so you can be confident that your wine will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance. This is a rare opportunity to secure a true icon of Bordeaux winemaking. Don't let the opportunity pass you by!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in 8-12 Weeks. With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in CT, KS, MI, NY, TN, or WA. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Monday, November 25th, 2024.