Description

Le Petit Vauthier is produced by the Vauthier family, one of the historic names of Saint-Émilion, whose connection to the appellation dates back to 1690, when the family acquired Château Ausone. Today, the family continues to manage a collection of distinguished Saint-Émilion estates under the leadership of Alain Vauthier and the next generation, including his children Édouard and Constance. Château Ausone, a Premier Grand Cru Classé A estate, is the family's flagship property and one of Bordeaux's most revered names.

Le Petit Vauthier offers an accessible introduction to the family's winemaking heritage, bringing together the character of Saint-Émilion's Right Bank terroir and the Vauthiers' longstanding experience with its classic grape varieties. Sourced from vineyards south of the village of Saint-Émilion, the wine is made from 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, combining Merlot's generous fruit and rounded texture with Cabernet Franc's freshness and aromatic lift. The vineyards sit on clay soils with sand and gravel, contributing to the wine's supple, fruit-forward character.

The 2015 vintage displays inviting aromas of ripe blackberry and dark cherry, complemented by spiced plum, subtle herbal notes and an earthy, mineral undertone. The palate is generous and rounded, with softening tannins, balanced structure and a persistent, chalky finish. Fermented in concrete vats and aged for approximately 12 months in barrels, the wine balances approachable fruit with the mineral refinement expected of a well-made Saint-Émilion.

Now at a rewarding stage of maturity, Le Petit Vauthier 2015 is an appealing choice for immediate enjoyment. It pairs beautifully with roast lamb, grilled beef and mature cheeses.