2012 Ausone
By Chateau Ausone
2012 Ausone from Chateau Ausone, Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux
The venerable 2012 vintage from the historical Chateau Ausone emerges as a paragon of Saint-Emilion's esteemed heritage—a wine that astutely balances power with poise in an exemplary show of viticultural prowess.
A Harmonious Encounter with Nature and Nurture
The 2012 vintage in Bordeaux faced its share of climatic ballet, alternating between warmth and coolness, ardour and restraint. However, the experienced hands at Chateau Ausone coaxed a wine of remarkable composure from this capricious season. The result is a selection that eloquently speaks of the year's unique challenges and triumphs.
The Singular Character of 2012
Upon decanting, the 2012 Ausone unfurls with an opulent bouquet of dark cherries and blackcurrant laced with a refined minerality - a gesture to its celebrated limestone terraces. The palate is a symphony of complexity, offering ripe berries accented by hints of tobacco and cocoa, culminating in a beautifully aged tannic structure that quietly asserts its longevity and stature among fine wine investments.
Yet, beyond the robust fruit character lies an alliance between acidity and roundness—an interplay deftly captured by the talented winemakers whose craft turned the year's unpredictability into a delightfully harmonised vintage.
Investment Potential Encased in Elegance
When analysing from an investment perspective, 2012 Ausone stands out for its grace under climatic pressure—an assurance of its potential longevity and capacity to delight and appreciate within a connoisseur's cellar.
In summary, the 2012 vintage from the prestigious Chateau Ausone not only presents an enological gem for collectors and enthusiasts but also exemplifies an adept interpretation of a challenging year—a testament to the masterful winemaking that continues to elevate Saint-Emilion as one of the pinnacle regions for fine wine investment. It's a poised addition to any discerning portfolio, promising both sensory pleasure and financial prudence.
Market price (GBP)
£4,360.00
12x75cl
Highest score
96
POP score
272.5
Scores and tasting notes
The 2012 Ausone is another prodigious effort that should turn out to be one of the longest-lived wines of the vintage. It boasts a dense purple color along with abundant notes of mulberries, black currants, blueberries and a hint of raspberries interwoven with spring flower and crushed chalk-like characteristics presented in a full-bodied yet ethereal, stylish, racy, noble manner. This is a high class, aristocratic, nearly perfect wine to cellar for a decade and then watch it unfold over the following 40-50 years.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #206
Tasted blind at the 2012 Southwold tasting, the 2012 Ausone took more time to settle in the glass than its peers, eventually deciding upon briary, violet and cassis scents—very floral and Margaux-like in style, not powerful but insistent. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, a crisp line of acidity, blackcurrant pastille mixed with cedar and a dash of spice, the wine finally revving up towards an intense and persistent finish that almost stains the mouth with its opulence. It is a gorgeous Saint Emilion from Pauline and Alain Vauthier. Tasted January 2016.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 28 October 2016
Wonderful aromas of blackberries and blueberries with flowers. Very Cabernet Franc. Full body, with intense fruit, tannins and fresh acidity. Tangy and lively. Minerals with lemon and orange peel undertones. Super lively. Texture is beautiful. Same blend as always. 55% Cabernet Franc and 45% Merlot.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com
The Grand Vin is a blend of 55% Cabernet Franc and 45% Merlot that is being raised in 85% new oak. A lot of young vines of Cabernet Franc were put into Chapelle instead of the Grand Vin this year, but the older vines were not affected. It was picked on 9th, 11th and 12th October (Merlot) and 13th, 15th, 17th October (Cabernet Franc.) It has a broody bouquet compared to the 2011 last year, with a marine-like influence – seashells and a touch of seaweed. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, crisp acidity (pH3.55) with a compact, tense and structured finish. This is a very composed Ausone, finely tuned, understated and classy. I feel it will give more out of bottle. Tasted April 2013.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2013