95-100 / 100
Noncontractual photograph
Vintage | 1900 |
Rating | 95-100 |
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%).
Armagnac
Porto
The second of the renowed twin vintages. Whereas the 1899s had finesse and delicacy, the sort of feminine charm later associated with the 1929s and 1953s, the 1900s were more structured - to use a fashionable expression - well balanced and more obviously impressive. But it was also a superabundant vintage following perfect weather conditions and the wines were uniformly excellent.
My notes indicate that the 1900 Ausone had a 90-point nose and 99-point flavors. Most Ausones are big on bouquet but short on flavor. It is unbelievable that a 94-year old wine could have this much richness and flavor. The huge nose of roasted cloves, coffee, and honeyed red fruits is followed by a wine with super-sweetness, big, jammy, alcoholic, ripe flavors, and remarkable length with elevated alcohol. The light color is akin to a rusty-colored white Zinfandel. The extreme sweetness makes me think the fermentation halted and the wine has some residual sugar. This stunning wine remains fresh and lively.