The history of this winery is rife with Romans, Visigoths, Franks, Arabs, monks and an emperor with vines appearing or disappearing at the whim of the moment. In its current iteration, the estate is in the very capable hands of Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite). Chateau Aussieres is their top of the line cuvée of Syrah 60%, Mourvèdre 30% and Grenache 10%. It is ripe, yet as one might expect from the Lafite empire, restrained, with intense black cherry, berry, olive aromas and flavors layered with savory notes of black pepper, tobacco and smoke. In the mouth, the concentrated flavors are enlivened with vibrant acidity and burnished tannins. It’s drinking quite well now and will continue to develop in the bottle.
Chateau d’Aussieres, Corbieres (Languedoc, France) 2009
By Rebecca Murphy