One of the great wines of the Right Bank. Ausone, along with CHEVAL BLANC, has always been considered to stand out and are rightly classified Premiers Grands Crus Classés A-grade properties. The wine has been consistently impressive since the mid 1990s and in the last half a dozen years has been produced in a rich, supple and immensely velvety style. Very fine and complex, it is now increasingly rich and oaky. The blend now comprises around 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Franc. It has been absolutely top-flight since 1995 when Alain Vauthier took over the reigns with the exception of 1997. The balance between fruit, tannins and minerality is extraordinary. Approachable at 5 or 6 years, the wine benefits from at least twice that time. The second wine, La Chapelle d'Ausone is generally made with equal proportions of Merlot and Cabernet France with up to 10% of Cabernet Sauvignon added.
