Château Ausone 2003

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£ 8 125
Auction dateClassic
29.09.2022 00:00UTC +01:00
Auctioneer
CHRISTIE'S
Event location
United Kingdom, London
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ID 812665
Lot 90 | Château Ausone 2003
CHÂTEAU AUSONE

The 7 hectare estate of Château Ausone is situated on the limestone hillsides of the town of St-Émilion and is undoubtedly one of the leading properties in Bordeaux. The name Ausone is derived from the Roman poet Ausonius (AD 320 -395) who is believed to have owned a villa on the site. Ausone’s reputation was enhanced significantly when in 1892 the property was inherited by Edouard Dubois (who later married and changed his surname to Dubois-Challon) and then was passed to his children Cécile Vauthier and Jean Dubois-Challon. The estate produced some exceptional wines in the twentieth century, such as the 1921, 1947 and 1949 to name a few. Ausone’s outstanding reputation has been growing further in recent years. In 1997, the Vauthier family took full control of the estate and have invested considerable sums and energy into improvements, such as repairing the terrace walls, installing a new drainage system and replanting vines where necessary. They also increased the proportion of Cabernet Franc in the vineyards, which now stands at 55% with 45% Merlot. Today the domaine belongs to Alain Vauthier and his sister Catherine, who bought their aunt Hélyette Dubois-Challon’s share in 1997. Part of the vineyards are located on the soils of the limestone plateau and the remainder are on clay-limestone slopes. The south-east exposure protects the vines from the cool northerly winds and enables the grapes to reach optimal maturity. The vines are old, with an average age of 50 years and the vineyard faces south-east which protects it from the north wind and westerly rain. Vauthier has reduced yields, begun to harvest more mature fruit, and believes malolactic fermentation should be done in small barrels as opposed to tank. This has produced wines which are beautifully expressive of terroir.

Château Ausone 2003

Saint-Emilion, 1er grand cru classé

In original wooden case. Stained and torn original tissues. Excellent appearance

12 bottles per lot

Address of auction CHRISTIE'S
8 King Street, St. James's
SW1Y 6QT London
United Kingdom
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29.09.2022 – 29.09.2022
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