What a ravishing nose of the ripest black fruit, with so many spicy and some floral nuances. Compact and very well-structured palate that’s only just beginning to show what’s packed in there. For this vintage, it’s rather cool and dry, even at the finish (where a lot of 2015s show a hint of warmth from alcohol). Clearly a wine with a great future, but needs some time to give its abundant best. Drink or hold. Château Quintus vertical tasting. SP.

Score: 98 James Suckling (JS), JamesSuckling.com, May 2022

The 2015 Ausone, an equal blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc matured in 85% new oak, has a deep, introspective bouquet at first, the Cabernet Franc more expressive than the Merlot at the moment, with undergrowth and damp moss scents permeating through the black fruit, pressed violets and incense gradually surfacing and a hint of orange pith. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannin, extremely pure and refined with an undertow of mineralité. There is outstanding tension to this Ausone, perhaps a little more approachable compared to the wines of the 1990s, not as oppressive in terms of structure due to its unerring poise. Though I strongly suspect that it will be surpassed by the 2016, it is still a magnificent Ausone that will drink for many years. Anticipated maturity: 2022 - 2050.

Score: 96 Neal Martin (NM), The Wine Advocate (WA), March 2018

Composed of 50% Cabernet Franc and 50% Merlot aged in French oak barrels, 85% new, for 20 months, the 2015 Ausone features a deep garnet-purple color and comes bounding out of the glass with expressive plum preserves, wild blueberries and cherry pie aromas plus fragrant nuances of roses, licorice, Indian spices, baker’s chocolate, new leather and cedar chest plus a touch of underbrush. Big, rich, opulent and full-bodied in the mouth, it is laden with bold blue and black fruits, superbly supported by very firm, very finely grained tannins and wonderfully seamless freshness, finishing with long-lingering exotic spice hints.

Score: 99 Lisa Perrotti-Brown (LPB), The Wine Advocate (WA), February 2018

The 2015 Ausone has a detailed, precise bouquet whose intense, graphite-infused black fruit gains intensity with each swirl. This is very sophisticated and compelling. The poised, medium-bodied palate delivers filigreed tannin, perfect acidity and an extraordinarily persistent finish that outclasses almost everything around it. This is outstanding and surely represents one of the wines of the vintage. Tasted blind at the Southwold 2015 Bordeaux tasting.

Score: 98 Neal Martin (NM), Vinous Media (VM), January 2019