There is no way to verify if the property we know as Chateau Ausone, was truly the original Lucaniac villa dating back to the 4th century belonging to the famed Roman poet Ausonius. What we do know is, if you go to the lower portion of the estate, you find numerous archaeological remains of an ancient Roman villa.

Among the ruins, you’ll find mosaics showing the property was known as “La Villa du Palat.” Regardless of where the poet planted his vineyards, Ausone has been produced for close to 4 centuries under the name honoring Ausonius from their hillside vineyards.

Chateau Ausone is one of the few famed Bordeaux estates that has remained a family vineyard. In fact, only 3 different families have owned the vineyard since it was originally created. This is quite a feat when considering the number of musical chairs taking place with all the buying and selling of Bordeaux chateaux

The 7-hectare vineyard is planted to 55% Cabernet Franc, 40% Merlot, 45 Cabernet Sauvignon, and 1% Petit Verdot. This marks a slow change in the vineyard over the years with the planting of more Cabernet Franc and reductions in the Merlot.Cabernet Sauvignon is only included in the second wine. The vine density ranges from 6,500 to 12,000 vines per hectare for most of the vineyard.However, today, over 15% of their vineyard is now planted with 12,600 plants per hectare. The newer plantings are at all the higher levels of density. It remains a distinct possibility that eventually the vine density of Chateau Ausone will be at the 12,600 plants per hectare level.However, this is only being done a few vines at a time. The entire process is expected to take several decades. Vineyard management practices are done with an eye to organic and biodynamic farming techniques.The steep, hillside terroir with its grades of 15% to 20% is clay with limestone and limestone over Asteria limestone in the soil. This is what gives the wine of Chateau Ausone its intense mineral character. As you move further down the steep slopes, you find more clay and limestone soils.The vineyard sits in a natural amphitheater, with both sun and shade for the vines. Much of the vineyard enjoys southeast exposure. At its peak, the plateau reaches up to 85 meters in elevation.The vines are old, in fact, the average age of the vines is 50 years. However, Chateau Ausone also has some of the oldest vines in St. Emilion. There are Cabernet Franc vines that are more than 100 years of age. The oldest vines were planted in 1906. Their oldest vines are planted next to their cellars. In fact, those old vines are considered to be the parcel in the vineyard.Yields are low at Chateau Ausone. On average, they are close to 33 hectoliters per hectare. Low yields are the goal here. This is accomplished in part by early de-leafing and green harvesting and high levels of vine density, as we mentioned earlier.

Changes in the cellars of Chateau Ausone took place in 2009. Alain Vauthier acquired a number of small, 6-hectoliter, refrigerated, stainless steel tanks that are used as holding tanks until they have enough fruit from a given vineyard block to fill a single wooden vat.Keeping the fruit in these stainless steel tanks allows him to control the temperature and sanitary conditions. The vats can be readily moved with a forklift, once there is enough fruit ready to be gently poured into — and to fill one of the oak fermenters.To produce the wine of Chateau Ausone, following a cold maceration, the vinification takes place in traditional, 54 hectoliter oak vats. Malolactic fermentation has taken place in French oak barrels since the 1995 vintage. The Grand Vin is aged in 100% new, French oak barrels up to 24 months, depending on the character and richness of the vintage.There is a second wine, La Chapelle d’Ausone, which made its debut in 1995. La Chapelle d’Ausone is on average a blend of 50% Merlot and 50% Cabernet Franc. Although a very minor portion of Cabernet Sauvignon can be added as well in select vintages. On average, close to 1,500 cases of Chateau Ausone are produced each vintage. About 600 cases are made of La Chapelle d’Ausone every year.The Vauther family owns other properties in Saint Emilion, Chateau Moulin St. Georges, Chateau Fonbel, Simard and Haut Simard. In 2014, the Vauthier family added another chateau to their growing portfolio of vineyards with the purchase of the neighboring vineyard, Chateau La Clotte.Alain Vauthier also consults with other estates in Saint Emilion on their vineyard management and winemaking techniques.

James Suckling 100 pts

Incredible nose of currants and blueberries. Flowers too. Licorice. Such purity on the nose of Cabernet Franc. Full body, incredible structure, with fabulous tannins and a long, long finish. Built out of stone. The perfect Ausone.

Wine Spectator 97-100 pts

Such a dreamy, perfumed aroma to this wine. Full-bodied, but wonderfully polished and integrated. It touches every millimeter of your palate and the texture makes you want to cry. It touches your soul. Goes on for minutes. Another perfect red