{"product_id":"chateau-ausone-1998","title":"Château Ausone 1998","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRobert Parker Jr., Robert Parker, April 2001 - 94P:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReaders should not hesitate to check out Ausone's new second wine, Chapelle d'Ausone. It reveals Ausone's minerality, finesse, and quality presented in a lower-keyed, more open-knit style. A dense opaque purple color offers up restrained, but pure aromas of liquid minerals, blackberries, black raspberries, and flowers. Medium to full-bodied, with high tannin but a long, super-pure, symmetrical mouth-feel, this dazzling, extremely complex Ausone requires 6-10 years of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2050.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStephen Tanzer, Vinous, July 2002 - 95+P:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSaturated deep ruby, much darker and brighter than the other vintages tasted. Sappy, fresh aromas of boysenberry, cassis, minerals, bitter chocolate and espresso, with complicating notes of underbrush and earth. Extremely pure and penetrating, with fruit of steel and a powerful mineral underpinning. Finishes with strong, firm tannins and great persistence. Essence of Ausone, without the funkiness shown by so many past vintages of this wine. Offers exciting potential. Drink 2008 to 2030.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGeneral information:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChâteau Ausone is one of the most prestigious wine estates in Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, with a history dating back to Roman times. The estate takes its name from the Roman poet Decimius Magnus Ausonius, who owned about 100 acres of vineyards in the area during the 4th century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLocation and Terroir:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe estate is perched on the western edge of Saint-Émilion, featuring elevated vineyards facing south on steep terraces. The vineyard spans just over 7 hectares, making it one of the smallest premier estates in Bordeaux. The exceptional terroir combines a unique mixture of sand and clay on limestone, with the vineyards benefiting from ideal drainage and protection from extreme weather.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVineyard and Production\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape Composition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e- 50% Cabernet Franc\u003cbr\u003e- 50% Merlot\u003cbr\u003e- Planting density: 6,500 vines per hectare\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnnual production is extremely limited, averaging only about 2,000 cases between both their grand vin and second wine, Chapelle d'Ausone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOwnership and Management\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Vauthier family has been involved with the estate since 1690. Currently, Alain Vauthier and his daughter Pauline manage the property. The estate employs a combination of traditional and modern techniques, including methods inspired by organic and biodynamic processes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWine Characteristics\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAusone wines are known for their:\u003cbr\u003e- Delicate and structured nose\u003cbr\u003e- Rich concentrations of exotic fruit\u003cbr\u003e- Long finish\u003cbr\u003e- Exceptional aging potential\u003cbr\u003e- Strong minerality from limestone deposits\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wines require significant aging, with good vintages continuing to improve for decades. Due to its limited production and exceptional quality, Château Ausone has become one of the most sought-after Saint-Émilion wines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClassification:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChâteau Ausone's classification status has undergone significant recent changes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Classification\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom 1955 until 2021, Château Ausone held the prestigious Premier Grand Cru Classé \"A\" status in Saint-Émilion, representing the highest level of classification.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCurrent Status\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs of 2022, Château Ausone no longer participates in the Saint-Émilion classification system. Starting with the 2022 vintage, their labels only mention \"Saint-Émilion Grand Cru\" without any classification status.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReason for Withdrawal\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe estate withdrew from the classification system in 2022 due to:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Concerns about the evaluation criteria moving away from emphasis on terroir and wine quality\u003cbr\u003e- Disagreement with the short 10-year re-evaluation period\u003cbr\u003e- Issues with the increasing focus on marketing and tourism rather than wine quality\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis decision was made independently but coincided with similar withdrawals by other prestigious estates like Château Cheval Blanc. The withdrawal is not expected to impact Ausone's reputation or market position, as their prestige extends beyond the classification system.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Château Ausone","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50501108203786,"sku":"HSS230","price":5750.0,"currency_code":"DKK","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0706\/9273\/3194\/files\/Ausone_26884d1c-cd0d-49d8-a3ba-27b1b264f1d7.png?v=1735196029","url":"https:\/\/carlwandel.shop\/products\/chateau-ausone-1998","provider":"Carl Wandel \u0026 Søn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}