Professional reviews
Robert Parker (93)
91-93
Aromas of dark berries, toasty oak and rich espresso roast mingle with hints of petals and spices, introducing the 2024 Ausone, a medium to full-bodied, lively and sapid wine that's a blend of 65% Cabernet Franc and 35% Merlot. The tannins are nicely ripe, with some structuring oak tannin already lending a supporting presence on the finish.
James Suckling (98)
97-98
A really classic Ausone, reminiscent of the great ones of the 1980s. Medium-bodied, it has such clarity and brightness and length. Purity and precision with drive and focus from superb viticulture and winemaking. A blend of 65% cabernet franc and 35% merlot.
Jancis Robinson (17)
Fragrant and floral with a stony terroir note behind. Lovely purity of fruit on the palate with fine, elegant tannins. Very long finish. Really quite refined
Vinous (96)
93-96
The 2024 Ausone is pure sensuality. Intensely perfumed, pliant and silky on the palate, Ausone is haunting in its beauty. All the elements are so well balanced. Black cherry, lavender, mocha, espresso and exotic spice overtones all take shape in the glass. A wine of understated depth, the 2024 is impressive. Even in the early going, the 100% new oak is not at all evident, suggesting a wine with superior balance. The blend is 65% Cabernet Franc and 35% Merlot.
Jeb Dunnuck (97)
94-97
A classic blend of 65% Cabernet Franc and 35% Merlot resting in new barrels, the 2024 Château Ausone sports a vivid ruby hue to go with a gorgeous perfume of black raspberries, subtle cassis, graphite, sappy flowers, and lead pencil. It's gorgeous on the palate, with medium to full-bodied richness, a pure, focused, remarkably elegant mouthfeel, ultra-fine tannins, and perfectly integrated oak. This classy, perfumed, sensationally elegant Ausone will drink nicely with just a few years of bottle age.
Decanter (95)
A creamy, crisp nose of cherry and raspberry yoghurt, alive and focused. Initially sharp with a punch of acidity, it turns strict and linear, framed by well-integrated tannins with a spiced, cool liquorice edge. Serious yet controlled, it offers clarity, precision, and purity, with mouthwatering acidity and minty, graphite terroir notes. Not as full as some, but faultless, it’s structured, suave, and racy, with shiny, long-lasting flavour. A yield of 33hl/ha. 3.5pH, and 100% new oak ageing, no press. A primeurs blend as wines are still ageing separately.
Falstaff (94)
Dark ruby, purple reflections, subtle edge brightening. Delicate aromas of cranberry and raspberry, floral touch, delicate herbs and lime zest, delicate wood savouriness. Juicy, elegant, ripe dark berry fruit, delicate hints of cherry, fine tannins, fresh acidity, salty and persistent, shows length and certain ageing potential.
