Ausone 2018 750ml

Château Ausone, perched on the limestone slopes of Saint-Émilion, is one of Bordeaux's smallest and most revered estates, long ranked at the very top of the appellation. The 2018, a blend of 60% Cabernet Franc and 40% Merlot, earned perfect 100-point scores from Decanter and Wine Advocate, with 99 from James Suckling, Vinous and Jeb Dunnuck. Decanter's Jane Anson described graphite, flint, crushed stone, blackberry and cassis with "a juicy salinity" from the limestone, plus incredible tension and length. Despite a hot, dry summer, the wine has remarkable freshness. A 30- to 40-year wine; patience will be rewarded.