Ausone St Emilion Gcc a 1998

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.