Ausone 2012 (750ML)

98 JS / 95-97 WCI / 96+ RP / 96 WA / 95+ VM / 95 WE / 95 JA / 94 DE / 18 JR

Wild aromas of mint, spearmint, cool chalk and dark fruits. Full-bodied, tight, linear and incredibly long with a evening-stone, blueberry, cherry and mineral undertone. Crisp and extremely persistent. Iodine and oyster shell here to round it all off. -James Suckling

One can’t say enough about the amazing job that Alain Vauthier and his daughter have done at this historic property on the decomposed limestone slopes of St.-Emilion. Not surprisingly, the 2012 Ausone is one of the candidates for the wine of the vintage. Inky purple in color, with notes of crushed rocks, spring flowers and blueberry and black raspberry, the wine grows on the palate, offering up amazing concentration. There is no heaviness or cloying characteristics. Pure, rich, full-bodied and, although accessible, it is capable of lasting 30 or more years. This will be one of the profound 2012s, following what Haut Brion and Mission Haut Brion did in Pessac-Léognan. Drink it 2022-2050+. Robert Parker

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

One of the wines of the vintage, the 2012 Ausone boasts gorgeous depth, aromatic intensity and overall balance. Dark red stone fruits, menthol, licorice, smoke and savory herbs flesh out as this layered, seductive Saint-Emilion shows off its pure pedigree and class. Further time in bottle should allow the 2012 to flesh out even more, but it is pretty special today. I remember tasting the 2012 straight from barrel with Alain Vauthier in the spring of 2013. The bottled, finished wine is every bit as special. The blend is 55% Cabernet Franc and 45% Merlot.-Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

This is a magnificent wine with an opulent structure and a finely perfumed character. It is dense with the ripest black fruits cushioned by the soft texture. A serious, denser side brings out a tannic core. It's elegant while also powerful and certainly needs to age. Drink from 2024. — Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast

Ruby colour, rose edging, smoked sandalwood and sweet black cherry, with a subtle build of power and concentration through the palate. This has juice and finesse, with edges of tobacco and rose petals, and a sharper nuance of fresh mint leaf. At a great moment to begin drinking, but has decades ahead. 100% new oak. A late harvest between October 9 and 17.-Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux

Less powerful than recent vintages. Emphasis on fruit and finesse. Medium-bodied weight. Round and smooth on the palate. Very fresh. Saline note on the finish.-James Lawther MW, Decanter

Tasted blind. Mid reddish crimson. Very driven and directed with rich dense tannins. Great density and delivery but not much fun for the moment. Thunders along. Big and bold.-Jancis Robinson