Winemaker and Vineyard: On its rocky promontory, the château distributes its seven hectares of vines in small terraces. Encircled by stone, the plots are thus sheltered from the wind and enjoy perfect East South-East exposure. The very generous sun combines with the Dordogne and Isle rivers that converge nearby: together, they refine an ideal microclimate for the vine. Nature here aligns the elements: everything contributes to guaranteeing, season after season, the finesse of the fruit. But it is also out of sight, in the secrets of the soil, that the alchemy of the place takes place: part of the vineyard rests on a limestone plateau with starfish. In this rock, the vine draws its energy, without excess. On the slope, it is anchored in the clayey limestone. It meets the clay there, beneficial in dry weather. Two lands, one sense of hospitality: the slopes of Ausone welcome and ripen the plots with balance.

Tasting: Unwinding in the glass with deep aromas of wild berries, vine smoke, orange rind, exotic spices and violets, framed by a deft application of classy new oak, the 2019 Ausone is full-bodied, rich and concentrated, with beautiful purity of fruit, lively acids and ripe but abundant structuring tannins. Deep, layered and vibrant, it's full of potential and will likely emerge as one of the most long-lived 2019s. This is another magical wine from what many consider to be Saint-Émilion's greatest terroir, and it will demand and richly reward patience. robertparker.com (07.04.2022)

Service: Serve at room temperature (16-18°C) to accompany beef ribs with Roquefort cheese.