1978 Ausone
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Tasting notes
The 1978 Ausone might be described as a less exciting version of the 1976. Having encountered the wine twice, albeit not for several years, it has a tobacco-driven bouquet with an odd overripe fruit scents tucked behind. The palate comes across as missing a little cohesiveness with some dry tannin, one bottle demonstrating stronger bell pepper notes than the second, the finish is elegant but missing some length. Bottles ought to be consumed in the near future. Tasted at a private dinner in Bordeaux.
Critic scores
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Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Dark garnet, with notes of herbs, licorice, and fennel in an almost steely, very structured style, this medium-bodied wine lacks the flesh and intensity to stand up to the muscle and structure. Anticipated maturity: Now-2015. Last tasted, 12/00.
Noticeably more garnet-colored than ruby, the 1978 Ausone remains a restrained, elegant, moderately concentrated, medium-weight example of this property's wines. The nose of dusty black-cherry fruit and damp earth needs to be coaxed from the glass. Softer, with slightly more fruit than the 1979, as well as a strong weedy, herbaceous element, the 1978 reveals plenty of tannin. The aggressive tannin again raises the question as to whether the concentration of fruit is sufficient. The 1978, a very good Ausone, is slightly softer than the 1979, and appears to have less potential. It is too early to dismiss this wine, but I wonder if the vineyard was harvested too soon? Last tasted, 5/93. Aug 1993, www.robertparker.com
About the producer
Ch. Ausone is one of Bordeaux’s most respected estates. At this small property, perched atop a hill overlooking the town of Saint-Emilion, the Vauthier family produces some of the finest wines in the region.