1964 Ausone

The 1964 Ausone is a wine that I first encountered in 2003 when it impressed...and then some. Now 15 years later I have no reason to alter that view because the 1964 is still going strong. It has a deep core with a mature rim. The nose is fresh and vibrant with a mixture of red and black fruit, rosewater, sandalwood and a hint of those same black olive that I remarked on before. The palate is medium-bodied, vivacious and beautifully balanced. It is not a flamboyant or ostentatious Ausone and perhaps compared to the Cheval Blanc it is more correct and linear. But it loosens its tie with aeration and seems to manifest more weight and corpulence, introducing a precise saline finish that just urges you back for another sip. What an outstanding 1964. Tasted at the Ausone vertical in London.