Château HAUT-SIMARD
Grand cru
- 2020
- Saint-Émilion
Bought in 2008 by the Vauthier family, this cru, ideally situated between La Gaffelière and Canon La Gaffelière, has undergone major restructuring: the 10 hectares have been completely replanted to achieve a density worthy of a premier grand cru classé (12,600 vines per hectare).
The high proportion of Cabernet Franc in the blend (40%) tempers the sun-drenched nature of the terroir (south-facing), and gives the wines an elegant, long-lasting structure. Recent vintages have convinced us that Haut-Simard deserves urgent attention.
Like all Vauthier vineyards (Ausone, La Clotte, Moulin Saint Georges...), Haut-Simard began its conversion to organic farming in 2020.
The 2020 vintage in the press:
Hachette (Guide 2024) “With 40% Cabernet Franc, this vintage stands out eloquently. The well-matched woody and vanilla notes, with their addition of fresh cherry and blackberry, and the round, velvety character of the palate make for a convincing whole, sustained by a beautiful freshness. An elegant wine with great potential”.
J-M Quarin (March 2023): 92/100 “Meticulous on entry, juicy in the middle, with brightness of flavor and body, the wine flows straight through to a meticulously woven finish. Fine grain. Incurable."
Vinous (A. Galloni - December 2022): 93/100 "The 2020 Haut-Simard is unusual in this year in that it includes 40% Cabernet Franc. That comes through in the wine's aromatic profile and overall energy. Bright red berry fruit, dried herbs, mint, sage and tobacco open first. The 2020 is a bit reticent, but it offers terrific energy and tons of nuance."
- To keep or to drink :
- Ready to drink
- Apogée :
- 2025-2039
- Organic certification :
- 2023
From the same producer
-
Bought in 2008 by the Vauthier family, this cru, ideally situated between La Gaffelière and Canon La Gaffelière, has undergone major restructuring: the 10 hectares have been completely replanted to achieve a density worthy of a premier grand cru classé (12,600 vines per hectare).
The high proportion of Cabernet Franc in the blend (40%) tempers the sun-drenched nature of the terroir (south-facing), and gives the wines an elegant, long-lasting structure. Recent vintages have convinced us that Haut-Simard deserves urgent attention.
Like all Vauthier vineyards (Ausone, La Clotte, Moulin Saint Georges...), Haut-Simard began its conversion to organic farming in 2020.
The 2018 vintage in the press:
J-M Quarin (January 2022): 92/100 “Delicious wine, with a silky mouthfeel, developing fragrantly and without tannic angles. Delicious length. Here again, the Cabernet Franc plays a major role”.
Vinous (A. Galloni - March 2021): 91/100 “The 2018 Haut-Simard is lively and expressive aromatically, with medium-weight structure and tons of verve. Sweet red cherry, blood orange, mint, sage, lavender and rose petals grace this vibrant, beautifully nuanced Saint-Emilion.”
More- To keep or to drink:
- Ready to drink
- Apogée:
- 2022-2034
-
Bought in 2008 by the Vauthier family, this cru, ideally situated between La Gaffelière and Canon La Gaffelière, has undergone major restructuring: the 10 hectares have been completely replanted to achieve a density worthy of a premier grand cru classé (12,600 vines per hectare).
The high proportion of Cabernet Franc in the blend (40%) tempers the sun-drenched nature of the terroir (south-facing), and gives the wines an elegant, long-lasting structure. Recent vintages have convinced us that Haut-Simard deserves urgent attention.
Like all Vauthier vineyards (Ausone, La Clotte, Moulin Saint Georges...), Haut-Simard began its conversion to organic farming in 2020.
The 2016 vintage in the press:
Vinous (N. Martin - December 2019): 93/100 “The 2016 Haut-Simard has a top-notch bouquet of gorgeous, well*defined blackberry, briar and raspberry aromas that burst from the glass.[...] The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit, fine density and concentration and a very fine line of acidity. The oak (30% new) is seamlessly integrated, with a long tail on the finish. This is the finest Haut-Simard I have tasted. Excellent.”
J-M Quarin (April 2017): 91/100 “Meticulous on the attack, developing refined to the touch and melting. The wine evolves juicy and noble with lots of flavor and a long, seductive finish. A delight!”
More- To keep or to drink:
- Ready to drink
- Apogée:
- 2021-2036
-
The terraces of Moulin Saint-Georges (7 ha) face those of Ausone (same owner). Thanks to the quality of its terroir and the refined style of its wines, Moulin Saint-Georges is a sure bet in the appellation. As the Revue du Vin de France's 2024 guide points out, "quality has been impressively consistent for over two decades, and prices remain reasonable. The only regret is the quantities available...".
Like all Vauthier vineyards (Ausone, La Clotte, Haut-Simard...), Moulin Saint-Georges began its conversion to organic farming in 2020.The 2020 vintage in the press:
La Revue du Vin de France (Guide 2024): 92/100 “A well-made classic evoking beautiful spicy tones. It will develop elegance with time”.
Vinous (N.Martin - November 2024): 93/100 “The 2020 Moulin Saint Georges has a more austere, introspective bouquet compared to its peers. Despite its tertiary style, there is fruit here ; it just needs time to unlock it. The palate is medium-bodied, delineated and refreshingly saline, with fine-grained tannins and a dash of white pepper toward the finish. This is yet another classy Saint-Emilion to add to the roaster.”
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 1 to 2 years
- Apogée:
- 2026-2038
- Organic certification:
- 2023
-
The terraces of Moulin Saint-Georges (7 ha) face those of Ausone (same owner). Thanks to the quality of its terroir and the refined style of its wines, Moulin Saint-Georges is a sure bet in the appellation. As the Revue du Vin de France's 2024 guide points out, "quality has been impressively consistent for over two decades, and prices remain reasonable. The only regret is the quantities available...".
Like all Vauthier vineyards (Ausone, La Clotte, Haut-Simard...), Moulin Saint-Georges began its conversion to organic farming in 2020.The 2019 vintage in the press:
Vinous (N. Martin - January 2023): 90/100 “The 2019 Moulin Saint-Georges has a focused, liquorice-tinged bouquet, cedar and tobacco, touches of mint emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, a little dry, feeling quite linear and strict towards the finish"
More- To keep or to drink:
- Ready to drink
- Apogée:
- 2026-2038
-
The terraces of Moulin Saint-Georges (7 ha) face those of Ausone (same owner). Thanks to the quality of its terroir and the refined style of its wines, Moulin Saint-Georges is a sure bet in the appellation. As the Revue du Vin de France's 2024 guide points out, "quality has been impressively consistent for over two decades, and prices remain reasonable. The only regret is the quantities available...".
Like all Vauthier vineyards (Ausone, La Clotte, Haut-Simard...), Moulin Saint-Georges began its conversion to organic farming in 2020.The 2017 vintage in the press:
J-M Quarin (October 2020): 92/100 “Juicy on the attack, very tasty, fat and even powerful for the vintage, the wine finishes long while retaining meticulousness in the touch. This vintage brings an extra sweetness that suits its type well. It's very good."
Bettane et Dessauve (December 2020): 15/20 “30% of the vineyard froze. The remaining 70% gives a slender tannin with a tonic and elegant finish.”
More- To keep or to drink:
- Ready to drink
- Apogée:
- 2022-2032
- Potential alcohol:
- 13%
-
The terraces of Moulin Saint-Georges (7 ha) face those of Ausone (same owner). Thanks to the quality of its terroir and the refined style of its wines, Moulin Saint-Georges is a sure bet in the appellation. As the Revue du Vin de France's 2024 guide points out, "quality has been impressively consistent for over two decades, and prices remain reasonable. The only regret is the quantities available...".
Like all Vauthier vineyards (Ausone, La Clotte, Haut-Simard...), Moulin Saint-Georges began its conversion to organic farming in 2020.More- To keep or to drink:
- Ready to drink
- Apogée:
- 2018-2026
- Potential alcohol:
- 13%
-
The terraces of Moulin Saint-Georges (7 ha) face those of Ausone (same owner). Thanks to the quality of its terroir and the refined style of its wines, Moulin Saint-Georges is a sure bet in the appellation. As the Revue du Vin de France's 2024 guide points out, "quality has been impressively consistent for over two decades, and prices remain reasonable. The only regret is the quantities available...".
Like all Vauthier vineyards (Ausone, La Clotte, Haut-Simard...), Moulin Saint-Georges began its conversion to organic farming in 2020.The 2012 vintage in the press:
J-M Quarin (September 2023): 88/100 “Dark color, medium intensity and slightly evolved. Very aromatic nose, with ripe fruit. Pleasant overall impression. Immediately tasty and melted on the palate, evolving on a medium body and a creamy touch.”
More- To keep or to drink:
- Ready to drink
- Apogée:
- 2015-2024
- Potential alcohol:
- 13%
-
Exceptional terroir of 4 hectares on a south-facing slope (like Pavie) at the entrance to the village of Saint-Émilion. Taken over in 2014 by the Vauthier family (Ausone), who is committed to highlighting the deep, juicy flesh of her grapes, with a confounding naturalness and a splendid aromatic radiance. La Clotte has everything it takes to quickly become one of the most cult wines of the appellation.
The 2019 vintage in the press:
La Revue du Vin de France (September 2022): 94/100 “Powerful, spherical, this 2019 palpitates in radiant black fruit matched by scents of spring flowers. The whole retranscribes the elegant signature of the soils. The palate marries fruit and flowers in a sober manner, and the finish is dynamic and full-bodied.”
Vinous (N. Martin - December 2021): 95/100 "The 2019 La Clotte has a complex bouquet of detailed red berry fruit, wild hedgerow, crushed stone and wilted rose petal aromas, engaging and (for the vintage) understated. The palate is medium-bodied, ripe and beautifully poised, with pliant tannins and judicisous touch of spice. This builds wonderfully in the mouth and feels elegant and refined, almost Burgundian on the finish. Wonderful."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 1 to 2 years
- Apogée:
- 2022-2033
- Organic certification:
- 2023
-
Exceptional terroir of 4 hectares on a south-facing slope (like Pavie) at the entrance to the village of Saint-Émilion. Taken over in 2014 by the Vauthier family (Ausone), who is committed to highlighting the deep, juicy flesh of her grapes, with a confounding naturalness and a splendid aromatic radiance. La Clotte has everything it takes to quickly become one of the most cult wines of the appellation.
The 2018 vintage in the press:
Vinous (A. Galloni - March 2021): 95/100 "The 2018 La Clotte represents another under the Vauthier family. Bright, focused and tightly wound, the 2018 is going to need at least a few years to soften, but its pedigree is evident, even in the early going. Sage, mint, lavender, rose petal and blood orange meld into the vibrant, polished finish."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 3 to 5 years
- Apogée:
- 2022-2033
- Organic certification:
- 2023
-
Exceptional terroir of 4 hectares on a south-facing slope (like Pavie) at the entrance to the village of Saint-Émilion. Taken over in 2014 by the Vauthier family (Ausone), who is committed to highlighting the deep, juicy flesh of her grapes, with a confounding naturalness and a splendid aromatic radiance. La Clotte has everything it takes to quickly become one of the most cult wines of the appellation.
The 2016 vintage in the press:
Vinous (N. Martin - December 2018): 96/100 "The 2016 La Clotte, part of the Vauthier family's portofolio, was outstanding out of barrel, and now that it is in bottle, I have no reason to alter my view. The sophisticated, beautifully defined bouquet features mineral-rich black cherry and raspberry fruit; hints of violet and bay leaf emerge with time. The sublimely balanced palate is sensual and refined, offering a fine bead of acidity and a silky-smooth texture. The very persistent, refined finish is exceptional. This must surely be the hidden gem of Saint-Émilion in 2016. It's just a shame that only 10,000 bottles were produced."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 3 to 5 years
- Apogée:
- 2022-2033
- Organic certification:
- 2023
-
Exceptional terroir of 4 hectares on a south-facing slope (like Pavie) at the entrance to the village of Saint-Émilion. Taken over in 2014 by the Vauthier family (Ausone), who is committed to highlighting the deep, juicy flesh of her grapes, with a confounding naturalness and a splendid aromatic radiance. La Clotte has everything it takes to quickly become one of the most cult wines of the appellation.
More- To keep or to drink:
- Ready to drink
- Apogée:
- 2022-2033
- Organic certification:
- 2023
-
Exceptional terroir of 4 hectares on a south-facing slope (like Pavie) at the entrance to the village of Saint-Émilion. Taken over in 2014 by the Vauthier family (Ausone), who is committed to highlighting the deep, juicy flesh of her grapes, with a confounding naturalness and a splendid aromatic radiance. La Clotte has everything it takes to quickly become one of the most cult wines of the appellation.
The 2014 vintage in the press:
Vinous (A. Galloni - February 2017): 92+/100 "The 2014 La Clotte is a striking wine that hints at the potential the Vauthier family will likely be able to coax from this site. Punchy red stone fruit, pomegranate, blood orange, spice and menthol are front and center. Supple and pliant, with terrific underlying structure, the wine is absolutely gorgeous. Bright mineral notes and Cabernet Franc aromatics infuse the finish in a super-expressive Saint-Émilion endowed with real class."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Ready to drink
- Apogée:
- 2022-2033
- Organic certification:
- 2023
-
Second wine of Ausone, rare (1 ha in production out of the 7 ha of the Ausone vineyard), slightly less powerful but just as racy and energetic as the Grand Vin. And like it, it has a remarkable capacity for ageing.
Like all Vauthier vineyards (Ausone, La Clotte, Moulin Saint-Georges, Haut-Simard...), Chapelle d'Ausone began its conversion to organic farming in 2020.
The 2020 vintage in the press:
La Revue du Vin de France (Guide 2024): 96/100 “La Chapelle d'Ausone 2020 develops a magnificent palette of spicy notes, a ripe, sunny fruitiness emerges. A wine with a formidable concentration of dry extracts, underlined by the still-present ageing. The tannic mass will melt quietly into a very dense matter, so dense that it will carry this wine serenely into the coming decades.”
Vinous (N. Martin - January 2024) : 93/100 "The 2020 Chapelle d'Ausone has ample toasty oak on the nose, which continues to shade the black fruit underneath. Yet it coheres in the glass, finally allowing the terroir to shine through. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins and a fine bead of acidity. It's very harmonious, with a precise and persistent finish. There's wonderful mineralité and tension here—superb."
More- To keep or to drink:
- Wait 5 to 10 years
- Apogée:
- 2032-2045
- Organic certification:
- 2023
-
Impossible to resist the unspeakable complexity of its bouquet, floral and fruity, spicy and liquorice, as well as the incredible depth of its fresh and sumptuous finish. Great art, all the glory of Cabernet Franc on a limestone hillside. Alain Vauthier and his children, Pauline and Édouard, manage the 7 hectares of Ausone like a (very) great Burgundy wine. Magistral!
The 2014 vintage in the press:
Vinous (N. Martin - February 2024): 95/100 “Ausone 2014 has retained that purity, pastillated red fruit on the nose, with hints of clove and bay leaf, perhaps almost Burgundian in its allure. The palate is medium-bodied, with fleshy, supple tannins that testify to its velvety texture. This is perhaps the most seductive of all the 2014 Bordeaux, and it blossoms beautifully to an almost citrus-fresh finish. Magnificent. Tasted at Bordeaux Index's 10-year anniversary tasting.”
More- To keep or to drink:
- Ready to drink
- Apogée:
- 2028-2045