By Domaines Baron de Rothschild Lafite
Chateau d'Aussieres 2021

Background
Aussieres was built on a fertile ecosystem where nature and people come together to learn from each other and create. Our village is very much a living place, where dialogue is the cardinal value. A dialogue of many kinds - between the elements, between the generations that have labored its grounds, between its villagers and craftsmen, and between the wine world's different schools of thought. That is what moves us forward, ultimately creating wines that tell a story of place, respect, and nuance.

Vineyard
Appellation: AOC Corbieres, Languedoc-Roussillon, France
Location: The estate is nestled in the rugged hills just behind the Mediterranean coastline of Narbonne, in the south of France.
Terroir: The grapes for Chateau d'Aussieres are sourced from selected plots on the tops of the hills. The soil is very shallow, consisting of sandstone with very little clay, and water is scarce. As a result, the yields are very low.
Farming: Green harvests are carried out, and the grapes are strictly selected in order to obtain a wine that combines power and precision.

Vintage Details
Winter 2021 was characterized by relatively cool temperatures compared to the four previous vintages. It was notably marked by several successive frost episodes, one of which was particularly strong during the night of April 7 to 8, when some plots had already begun to sprout (early grape varieties). Since 2017, this has been the most intense and extensive frost episode experienced at Domaine d'Aussieres. Another notable meteorological event is the low rainfall during the vegetative cycle. This water deficit delayed the resumption of vine growth after the frost. The soil could only be replenished with water very late in the season, after the harvest. These meteorological phenomena resulted in delaying the growth and development of the vines and ultimately the maturation period. Harvest commenced on September 13, with a two-week delay compared to 2020. Weather conditions were generally favorable. Only a few days of rain interrupted the harvest schedule, but in return, they helped complete the ripening of the latest grape varieties.

Production
Vinification is carried out in a traditional manner. Alcoholic fermentation takes place in stainless steel and cement tanks at controlled temperatures. During fermentation, regular pump-overs ensure a gentle and gradual extraction of tannins. At the end of the fermentation, the wine is left to rest for two days. The total maceration time ranges from 15 to 20 days. 50% of the wine is aged in oak barrels (of which 1/3 are new barrels), mainly made by the Tonnellerie des Domaines in Pauillac.

Wine Details
Varietals: 56% Syrah, 27% Mourvedre, 10% Grenache Noir, 7% Carignan
Alcohol: 14.50%
pH: 3.57
Total Acidity: 3.49 g/l

Tasting Notes
Chateau d'Aussieres 2021 displays a deep garnet hue. The indulgent nose offers aromas of dark fruit, with cherry and blackberry blending with hints of almond and dark chocolate. The palate is harmonious, highlighted by oak and subtle toasty notes. The chalky tannins contribute to the unique power of Chateau d'Aussieres.
[Information provided by Beyerman]

Wine: Chateau d'Aussieres, Corbieres, Languedoc-Roussillon, 2021
Score/Rating: 94 
Suggested Drinking Window: 2026 - 2036
Review Date: 08/25/2025
Reviewed By: Georgina Hindle
Tasting Notes: Milk chocolate, liquorice, strawberries, blackberries and dried herbs on the nose - so inviting. Glossy and sleek, this has beautifully soft and smooth tannins with a rich and concentrated core of red and black bramble fruit and bright acidity. Perfectly balanced with no let up of energy from start to finish. Feels really well made with a long length and delicious salty, pumice and slate minerality. Great drinkability and value. This also got better having been open a few days so if drinking soon give it a good air.

Wine: 2021 Corbieres Chateau d'Aussieres
Score/Rating: 90
Suggested Drinking Window: 2026 - 2029
Review Date: 05/2026
Reviewed By: Nicolas Greinacher
Tasting Notes: The 2021 Corbieres Chateau d'Aussieres needs time to open in the glass, slowly revealing dried herbs, black cherry and fleshy aromas. Medium- to full-bodied, round and elegant, the 2021 packs ample freshness with lifting energy on the savoury close.

Wine: Ch d'Aussieres 2021 Corbieres
Score/Rating: 17/20
Suggested Drinking Window: 2025 - 2035
Review Date: 09/17/2025
Reviewed By: Jancis Robinson
Tasting Notes: Deep, glowing crimson. Languedoc fruit cocktail with Bordeaux polish! Ex-chateau barrels, and the 33% new ones, from their own cooper in Pauillac, seems evident on the palate. Really quite impressive, though very unlike the Languedoc norm!