Château Ausone 2022, one of Saint-Émilion's greatest and rarest wines.

Ausone's seven hectares sit on the steep limestone slopes beneath the walled town of Saint-Émilion, with old Cabernet Franc vines, some close to a century old. The 2022 grand vin is an even split of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, and only about 1,600 cases were made. The vintage brought repeated heatwaves and long drought, but nights stayed relatively fresh; the Merlot was picked between September 5 and 9 and the Cabernet Franc between September 21 and 27. After fermentation in oak vats and malolactic in new barrels, the wine aged 20 months in the estate's limestone caves. Wine Advocate's William Kelley (95+ points) calls it "a serious, structured Ausone that will require a bit of patience," while James Suckling and Vinous' Neal Martin each scored it 98 points. Kelley's drinking window runs from 2030 through 2060. 14.5% ABV, 750ml.