Chateau Ausone 2017 tasting notes and ratings on futures and ratings “en primeur” by Ronald Rens, M.Sc., Wine Master, Bordeaux Expert
Chateau Ausone 2017 (19+ points)
Driving up to Ausone is something of an experience. A small winding road leads to the chateau on top of a hill. If there is traffic coming from the other side –well- you have a problem. We encountered a postal van coming down while we were climbing up and I hit the limestone rock on the side with my car. Fortunately the tasting at Ausone was worth it…
I tasted at the chateau with Pauline Vauthier, who is representing the next generation of the Vauthier family at the helm of this extraordinary chateau.
Chapelle d’Ausone 2017 (18+ points)
[40% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% Merlot]
Intense ruby red color with some purple tinges. Usually the La Chapelle is very expressive on the nose but the 2017 shows rather closed at this time. In the mouth there is the typical beautiful soft, ripe fruit that is showing almost flattering. Great balance in the acidity and the fruit. Very long for a second wine. Well done!
Ronald in front of the chapel giving its name to the second wine
Chateau Ausone 2017 (19+ points)
[45% Merlot and 55% Cabernet Franc]
A deep purple, ruby color, even deeper than the La Chapelle. A superb complex nose with very precise red and black fruit. On the palate I found the typical velvety structure of Ausone. Very ripe fruit notes and some mint. Round, elegant tannins; smooth as silk with a pleasant freshness. Not as long as the previous vintages. We will be drinking this 2017 while waiting for the 2015 and 2016. Again one of the samples I would like to steal to drink over lunch. Yet another great Ausone!
