The 2020 Ausone is stellar. Usually a showier wine, Ausone is packed with bright acids, deep fruit and tons of supporting structure. Dark red fruit, blood orange, pomegranate, rose petal, mocha and dried herbs all race out of the glass. Deep and layered, with magnificent finesse, Ausone is lights out in 2020. What a wine. Readers lucky enough to own it are in for a thrilling ride over the next few decades. Feb 2023 The 2020 Ausone was picked at 37hl/ha (a little bit less than 2019 according to Pauline Vauthier) on 14 and 19 September for the Merlot, 23 and 29 September for the Cabernet Franc, matured in entirely new barriques with a light toasting. This 2020 has a tightly wound nose at first, needing more encouragement than other recent vintages. It then, almost reluctantly, reveals intense black cherry, blueberry and violet aromas. Maybe this is not as hedonistic as other years? The palate is medium-bodied with succulent, ripe tannins and a fine bead of acidity. Now the more opulent Ausone comes through, albeit succinctly controlled, with lightly spiced red fruit and a finely proportioned and quite persistent finish. Sophisticated and classy, this rather brilliant Ausone will mature with grace and style.

Couleur sombre, intense, belle et pourpre. Nez très aromatique, fin, fruité pur, complexe, noble et profond. Touche légèrement vanillée sur un fond de framboise très mûr. Velouté en entrée de bouche, complexe au milieu, extrêmement fondant, avec une grâce aromatique et tactile folle, le vin avance lentement, juteux et profond. Dans les tout derniers instants de la bouche, il marque une touche d'austérité rappelant le calcaire comme si le millésime l'avait invité à surligner son origine. C'est là une merveilleuse identité. Assemblage : 50 % cabernet franc, 50 % merlot. Degré d'alcool : 14°7 - pH : 3,58. Rendement : 38 hl/ha. Production ; 2/3 de premier vin.

The flowers in the nose are spectacular with violets, lavender, and honeysuckle. Then there’s wet stone and freshly cut limestone. Plus there’s raspberries and blueberries. The palate is full-bodied yet very tight and reserved, with fine tannins that run the length of the wine as well as hints of cedar, sandalwood and vanilla bean. It’s long and very racy and complex. Needs eight to 10 years of bottle age to open and come together. Try after 2032. 03/2023