Ausone Castle - Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 1995

Wine Advocate

93 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe9/1/1998

Ausone's 1995 has turned out to be an exceptional success for this property. After numerous years of infighting among the owners, Alain Vauthier emerged victorious. This is the first vintage in which he has completely controlled the wine's viticulture, vinification, and upbringing. With malolactic fermentation in barrel, and the omnipresent, highly talented Michel Rolland providing guidance, this deep ruby/purple-colored wine has evolved beautifully since I tasted it in March, 1996. Readers who may have been worried about Ausone's "typicity" or terroir being submerged behind the Rolland-directed vinification, should be relieved to know that the property's vivid mineral character, along with a Musigny-like, violet, black-cherry/cassis component have emerged. Some new oak is still noticeable, but far less than last year. The wine is medium to full-bodied, tannic, and backward, as well as gorgeously pure, ripe, and multi-layered. This is a classic, potentially top-class Ausone for drinking between 2007-2035. Last tasted 11/97

Wine Advocate

93 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe2/28/1998

1995 will be remembered as an historic vintage for Ausone. It is the first year where, after more than a decade of infighting among the owners, Alain Vauthier emerged as the sole proprietor, and thus had complete control of the wine's viticulture, vinification, and up-bringing. Ausone's extraordinary minerality is present in the 1995, yet there are more aromatics, a richer, more multidimensional palate impression, and a fuller texture - all with the terroir brilliantly expressed. The wine boasts a dense ruby/purple color, and an emerging but tightly-knit nose of spring flowers, minerals, earth, and black fruits. Rich, with an opulent texture, and surprising sexiness for a young vintage of Ausone, the medium-bodied 1995 displays exquisite balance between its acid, tannin, alcohol, and fruit. Although it is not yet seamless, all the elements are present for an extraordinary evolution in the bottle. Given its backward style, this wine will require 5-7 years of cellaring, and will age at a glacial pace for 30-40 years. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2045.

Wine Spectator

95 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe1/31/1998

Awesome Ausone. Modern yet classic. Made from one of the best vineyard sites in Bordeaux, this wine offers berry, strawberry jam and vanilla aromas with hints of minerals. Full-bodied, with full yet fine tannins. Long, long finish. Polished and smooth. Best after 2001.

Wine Advocate

89-92 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/1996

The 1995 represents a directional shift in winemaking. With the malolactic fermentation done in barrel, this is a more flattering, sexy, spice, and appealing wine than the 1994. Dark ruby/purple-colored, with a sweet, smoky nose of violets, cassis, minerals, and earth, this medium-bodied, richly fruity, elegant wine possesses a beautiful mid-palate, and an endearing texture, yet it never comes across as heavy or overbearing. Low acidity and excellent depth suggest this wine will be approachable in 5-10 years and will keep for 20-25. Will Ausone's fabulous terroir be more or less expressed because of this new philosophy of vinification? Time will tell.