Description
The Château Ausone 2007 is a premier grand cru classé "A" wine from the Saint-Émilion appellation in Bordeaux, France. As one of the most prestigious estates in Bordeaux, Château Ausone consistently produces exceptional wines, even in challenging vintages like 2007. This vintage reflects the estate's meticulous viticulture and winemaking, showcasing elegance, finesse, and balance.
Wine Overview
Château Ausone is known for its small production and exceptional quality, crafting wines that are both age-worthy and complex. The 2007 vintage is a blend of:
Cabernet Franc (typically dominant): Contributing structure, floral aromatics, and spice.
Merlot: Adding richness, softness, and fruit-forward characteristics.
Vintage Characteristics
The 2007 vintage in Bordeaux was marked by a rainy summer and cool conditions, but an extended dry and sunny September allowed for better ripening. Château Ausone, with its exceptional limestone terroir and strict selection process, produced a wine of remarkable quality despite the challenging growing season. The resulting wine is elegant, with moderate alcohol and fresh acidity.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Deep ruby with slight garnet reflections, showing its maturity.
Aroma: A refined and layered bouquet of redcurrants, raspberries, blackberries, and violets, with secondary notes of cedar, tobacco, and earthy undertones. Subtle hints of graphite, mocha, and truffles enhance complexity.
Palate: Medium-bodied with silky tannins and vibrant acidity. The wine offers a harmonious balance of red and dark fruit flavors, accompanied by savory notes of minerality, dried herbs, and spice. The limestone terroir imparts a characteristic freshness and elegance.
Finish: Long and lingering, with a precise and polished conclusion that highlights its balance and finesse.
Drinking Window
As of 2025, the Château Ausone 2007 is in a beautiful drinking window, showcasing its tertiary flavors and refined complexity. Properly stored bottles can continue to age gracefully for several more years, but the wine is likely at its peak, offering an optimal experience.
Food Pairing
The elegance and complexity of Château Ausone 2007 pair well with refined dishes, such as:
Roast duck or pigeon with a berry glaze.
Lamb loin or veal tenderloin.
Mushroom dishes, such as truffle risotto or wild mushroom tart.
Aged cheeses, such as Comté, Gruyère, or Epoisses.
Serving Recommendations
Decanting: Decant for at least 1–2 hours before serving to allow the wine to fully open up and reveal its nuanced aromas and flavors.
Serving Temperature: Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) to appreciate its complexity and balance.
Conclusion
The Château Ausone 2007 is a testament to the estate's ability to craft exceptional wines in any vintage. It offers a refined and elegant expression of Saint-Émilion's limestone terroir, with complexity, freshness, and an unmistakable sense of place