$210 “The Ausonius” Wine-Aid Package — 6 Bottles Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Second Wines (All Included and Delivered)

“What colour are they now, thy quiet waters?
The evening star has brought the evening light,
And filled the river with the green hillside;
The hill-tops waver in the rippling water,
Trembles the absent vine and swells the grape
In thy clear crystal.”

— Decimus Magnus Ausonius from Mosella

Introducing The Ausonius, a $210 Wine-Aid package that includes six bottles of wine from some of the finest producers in Saint-Émilion. The price includes tax and delivery, as well as a deep discount. We will also honor a 10% discount on any bottles you might wish to add to the Wine-Aid package. 

Along with its neighbor, Pomerol, Saint-Émilion is one of the world’s benchmark appellations for Merlot-based wine. It is one of the oldest active wine producing appellations in the Bordeaux region with a history that dates back to ancient Romans. It was the home of the famous Roman poet and wine lover, Decimus Magnus Ausonius, who served as the inspiration for the name of the now famous Château Ausone. 

Not merely leftovers, Second Wines have always offered incredible value, but as the selection process for the First Wine or “Grand Vin” of these distinguished estates has gotten stricter, today the best Second Wines offer an even greater value than in the past. It’s important to note that Second Wines are always produced by the same winemaking team that produces the First Wine. Generally, the biggest differences are that Second wines see less new oak during maturation and are meant to be enjoyed closer to release than the First Wine.

Included in The Ausonius Wine-Aid Package are two bottles each:

Château Valandraud “3 de Valandraud” (Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2016) Regular Price $44

This estate led by Jean-Luc Thunevin is recognized as giving birth to the “Garage Wine” movement. Their debut vintage produced a scant 100 cases of wine and was vinified in a borrowed space. Today they own their cellars and cultivate almost 25 acres of vineyards using a combination of traditional and modern technique. “3 de Valandraud” is produced from declassified fruit from Valandraud and Virginie de Valandraud. The wine is very representative of Thunevin’s signature style: lush and opulent fruit, with a silken, smooth tannic structure.

Château Rol Valentin “Les Valentines” (Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2016) Regular Price $37

About 40% of Château Rol Valentin’s vines are placed on sandy soils, north of Château La Gomerie on the way to Château Cheval Blanc. The remaining 60% are planted in the cooler, clay and limestone soils near Château Faugères. Most of the vines on this 18 acre estate are older, averaging close to 43 years of age. The vineyard is managed using sustainable farming techniques. The 2016 vintage of “Les Valentines” shows good balance with dark red fruit on the nose and palate and a touch of chocolate on the finish.

Château Monbousquet “Angélique de Monbousquet” (Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2015) Regular Price $29

Château Monbousquet traces its history all the way back to 1540 but its modern era began with a jump in quality in 1993 when it was purchased by Gérard Perse of Château Pavie fame. The entire 79 acre vineyard was analyzed and drained and the winemaking facilities rebuilt. Today, the 40 year old vines see less water during prolonged wet spells. Perse gets the most he can out of sand, clay and gravel soils. Blackberries, earth, and herbs rise above a medium-bodied sip of sappy and fresh fruit. 

- - -
Posted on 2020.05.31 in France, Bordeaux, Wine-Aid Packages