Ausone 2003 (750ML)

100 RP / 99 WCI / 98 WA / 18.5 JR

Amazing! The limestone soils of Ausone appear to have been the perfect foil for resisting the extreme heat and drought of June, July and August, 2003. This black/purple-colored effort boasts a glorious nose of violets, truffles, lead pencil shavings, blueberry and blackberry liqueur. Full-bodied with staggering concentration, a voluptuous texture, low acidity and well-integrated, melted tannins, this deep, multidimensional, profound Bordeaux is beginning to drink exceptionally well. It should continue to do so for another two decades or more. - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate

The wine of the vintage from the Right Bank is relatively youthful, concentrated, and rich, with a serious depth of raw materials, ripe fruits and minerality. The exotic textures are perfectly matched by the complex earthy, licorice, floral, plum, black cherry and crushed rock filled nose. The incredibly long, expansive, mineral drive finish must last for close to 60 seconds on your palate. 99 Points-Jeff Leve, Wine Cellar Insider

A decadent, cassis-inspired nose with a touch of smoke, blackberry and raisin. The palate is full-bodied, with good acidity and a structure redolent of Chateau Latour. Backward, beautifully integrated new oak an immense purity on the finish. Sheer class. - Neal Martin, Wine Advocate

So deep a purple it is almost black – in fact the colour lines the glass as young vintage port does. Very very rich, broad, spicy nose. Some exotic notes of fruit that it almost burnt but there is a remarkable freshness here too. Meaty depth. On the palate it is somehow absolutely not sweet but very intense, youthful and taut – all reined in and the opposite of the regulation right bank flab in this vintage. Dry finish with fine grained tannins. Classic – very serious wine. Not especially low yields apparently for Ausone: 29 hl/ha. 14 deg alcohol. One of the standouts of the vintage – certainly on this side of the Gironde.-Jancis Robinson