2012 Ausone - St Emilion (Pre-arrival) (750ml)

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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-L?ognan. Drink it 2022-2050+. - eRobertParker.com, RP (4/2015)

(55% cabernet franc and 45% merlot; 32 h/h; 85% new oak): Bright, deep ruby. Profound aromas of strawberry, blueberry, fresh herbs, mocha and vanilla. Then deep, dense and suave, with noteworthy clarity to the red and dark fruit flavors. The finish is long and pure, with polished tannins and just a trace of greenness, probably due to all that cabernet franc in the blend. Still, the measure of this wine's greatness and proprietor Alain Vauthier's talent is that he has come up with such an impressive effort in a year when weather conditions were more than difficult for cabernet franc. The merlot was harvested between October 9 and 12 and the cabernet franc on October 13, 15, and 17.- Ian D'Agata (05/2013)