85-89 / 100
Noncontractual photographs
Vintage | 1994 |
Rating | 85-89 |
Classification | St Emilion - 1er Grand Cru Classé A |
Region | Bordeaux |
Appellation | Saint Emilion |
Colour | Red |
Volume | 0.75 l |
Price | More than 300 € |
Château | Ausone |
Country | France |
As Angelus, Cheval Blanc and Pavie, Ausone is ranked as Premier Grand Cru Classé A in Saint Emilion. Ausone is a tiny area of 7 acres located on the slopes of St. Emilion. Situated on the location of the villa of the Latin poet Ausonius, the area enjoys a southern exposure, terraced vineyards and very old grape varieties. The cellar, dug into the rock, is extraordinary. The wine, long known to be assertive, they are dense, intense with complex aromas that allow Ausone to rank amongst the best Bordeaux estates. The grape varieties are merlot, cabernet franc with a majority of cabernet franc (55%).
CHÂTEAU DUCRU BEAUCAILLOU 1994
Saint Julien
Margaux
Saint Emilion
Saint Emilion
Arbois
Saint Julien
Saint Emilion
I was more impressed with the 1994 Ausone last year. Less exciting this year, it reveals a medium ruby color, a mineral-dominated, spicy, redcurrant-scented nose, light tannin, good rather than impressive depth, and a tight, nicely-structured, spicy finish. Of course, Ausone never fully reveals itself until it is 15-25 years old, so perhaps there is more here than meets the palate. It will need at least 5 years of cellaring and should keep for 2 decades.