Category: | Red Wines |
Sub-Category: | Red Wines |
Producer: | Ausone |
Label Name: | St Emilion Gcc a |
Vintage: | 1998 |
Country: | France |
Region: | Saint-Émilion (Bordeaux) |
Volume: | 750ml |
ABV: | 13% |
Grape(s): | Merlot, Cabernet Franc |
Acidity: | 4 |
Tannins: | 4 |
Sweetness: | 1 |
Body: | 4 |
Length: | 5 |
Aroma Intensity: | 4 |
Best Temperature: | 16-18°C |
Awards/Ratings
Representative critic scores for Château Ausone 1998 include: Vinous (Stephen Tanzer) 95–95+, Wine Advocate (Neal Martin tasting at Ausone vertical) 96, James Suckling ~97; Wine Spectator and other reviewers 94–96
Tasting Note
Dense ruby with black cherry, cassis, black raspberry, bitter chocolate, espresso and crushed stone minerality. Full-bodied, refined yet firm tannins, vibrant acidity and a very long, mineral finish.
Food Pairing
Western: roast lamb, beef tenderloin, venison, mushroom risotto. Asian: Peking duck, char siu, braised beef short rib, mushroom hot pot, Korean BBQ.
Production Method
Traditional fermentation (oak vats) with extended maceration; aged ~18–20 months in French oak (majority new, ≈75–85%).
Vineyard Info
Small 7-hectare estate on Saint-Émilion’s limestone plateau. Premier Grand Cru Classé 'A'; long family history under the Vauthier family (Alain Vauthier modernizing since 1995). Produces tiny volumes and highly terroir-driven wines.