Caractéristiques
- Pays:
- France
- Région:
- Bordeaux
- Appellation précise:
- Saint-Emilion
- Millésime:
- 2016
- Couleur:
- Rouge
- Type de vin:
- Sec
- Format:
- Bouteille de 75cl
- Cépage(s):
- 50% Cabernet Franc et 50% Merlot
- Terroir:
- Argilo-calcaire et calcaire à astéries
- Vendanges:
- Manuelles avec tris successifs
- Vinification:
- En cuves bois thermorégulées avec une cuvaison de 4 à 5 semaines
- Elevage:
- 20 mois en fûts de chêne Français, neuf à 80%
Dégustation et Garde
- Boire à partir de :
- 2026
- Apogée :
- 2036-2051
- Boire avant :
- Qui sait...
- Conseil de service :
- Carafer longuement dans sa jeunesse
- Servir à :
- 18°C
Description
Ce Premier Grand Cru classé A, parmi les premiers avec Cheval Blanc à obtenir cette distinction, se love en haut des collines, sous les remparts de la ville, à l’abri des vents du nord. Les Cabernet Franc (50%) et Merlot (50%) s’enracinent sur 7 hectares au mythique terroir argilo-calcaire et de calcaire à astéries. Les jus s’offrent à la dégustation après 20 mois d’élevage en fûts de chêne Français, neufs à 85%.
Au bouquet, l’intensité de cerises, de prune et de cuir côtoie l’élégance de fleurs sauvages, de pétales de roses et de cèdre quand les nuances épicées et réglissées portent l'appétence à son summum. La même complexité délicate se retrouve au palais, oscillant entre chair ferme et corsée, gourmandise généreuse, tanins d’une grande finesse et fraîcheur incroyable pour des longueurs chaleureuses qui s’éternisent.
Suggestion gourmande
Filet mignon de veau juste saisi, poêlée forestière de la saison.
Avis des Experts
James Suckling
"Very exotic and fascinating with dark-berry, floral and violet aromas that follow though to a full body that is tight and polished with ultra-fine and driven tannins. They really are amazing. A wine with such strength and finesse at the same time. Confident and real Ausone. A blend of 50 per cent merlot and 50 per cent cabernet franc. Better after 2025."
The Wine Advocate
"The 2016 Ausone is a blend of 50% Cabernet Franc and 50% Merlot. Deep garnet-purple colored, it's quite closed at first glance, slowly unfurling to reveal the most incredible perfume of violets, chocolate-covered cherries, warm black plums, Black Forest cake and roasted nuts with suggestions of charcuterie, wood smoke and cedar chest. The medium to full-bodied palate offers a quiet intensity of flavors that grow in the mouth to unveil layer after layer of black and red berries intertwined with beautiful savory notions framed by firm yet velvety tannins, finishing with epic length and amazing energy. It practically tingles on the palate !"
Jeb Dunnuck
"The 2016 Château Ausone is up with the crème de la crème of the vintage and isn’t far off the thrilling 2015, although it shows a more seamless, elegant character. Loads of spice, crushed violets, floral notes and subtle oak give way to a full-bodied beauty that has thrilling cassis and black raspberry fruits, polished tannin, perfect balance, and a great, great finish. This thrilling Ausone needs 4-6 years of bottle age but will keep for 30 years or more."
Decanter
"The incredible succulent power in Ausone puts a different perspective on other wines, as it so often does. The epitome of perfumed finesse. The yield is up at 40hl/ha, high for these poor limestone soils, and the remarkable clarity of expression that runs right through the delicate but fleshy raspberry and smoke-tinged palate is helped by a pH of 3.5 (compared to 3.6 last year). In my book this counts as one of the truly exciting signatures of the vintage and that is only boosted by the limestone terroir. Stunning, with enormous persistency and a finish that just doesn't want to quit. From a blend of 50% Merlot and 50% Cabernet Franc, aged in 80% new oak barrels."
Wine Enthusiast
"Beautifully structured, this wine has elegance despite its heft and richness. It has the enticing acidity of the year as well as concentration and generous, spicy, perfumed Cabernet Franc. This is a wine to age and it will not be ready before 2025."
La DRC du Saint-Emilionnais !