(55% cabernet franc and 45% merlot; 32 h/h; 85% new oak): Bright, deep ruby. Profound aromas of strawberry, blueberry, fresh herbs, mocha and vanilla. Then deep, dense and suave, with noteworthy clarity to the red and dark fruit flavors. The finish is long and pure, with polished tannins and just a trace of greenness, probably due to all that cabernet franc in the blend. Still, the measure of this wine's greatness and proprietor Alain Vauthier's talent is that he has come up with such an impressive effort in a year when weather conditions were more than difficult for cabernet franc. The merlot was harvested between October 9 and 12 and the cabernet franc on October 13, 15, and 17. Mai 2013

Tasted blind at the 2012 Southwold tasting, the 2012 Ausone took more time to settle in the glass than its peers, eventually deciding upon briary, violet and cassis scents—very floral and Margaux-like in style, not powerful but insistent. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, a crisp line of acidity, blackcurrant pastille mixed with cedar and a dash of spice, the wine finally revving up towards an intense and persistent finish that almost stains the mouth with its opulence. It is a gorgeous Saint Emilion from Pauline and Alain Vauthier. Tasted January 2016. Oktober 2016

Wild aromas of mint, spearmint, cool chalk and dark fruits. Full-bodied, tight, linear and incredibly long with a evening-stone, blueberry, cherry and mineral undertone. Crisp and extremely persistent. Iodine and oyster shell here to round it all off. Better in 2018. Februar 2015