1995 Ausone

Mineral toasted nose immediately. Warm and full. Rich and charming. Fully evolved with hint of dried curry spices. Exotic and lots of burnt fun.www.jancisrobinson.com, 25 Oct 2005

1995 will be remembered as an historic vintage for Ausone. It is the first year where, after more than a decade of infighting among the owners, Alain Vauthier emerged as the sole proprietor, and thus had complete control of the wine's viticulture, vinification, and up-bringing. Ausone's extraordinary minerality is present in the 1995, yet there are more aromatics, a richer, more multidimensional palate impression, and a fuller texture - all with the terroir brilliantly expressed. The wine boasts a dense ruby/purple color, and an emerging but tightly-knit nose of spring flowers, minerals, earth, and black fruits. Rich, with an opulent texture, and surprising sexiness for a young vintage of Ausone, the medium-bodied 1995 displays exquisite balance between its acid, tannin, alcohol, and fruit. Although it is not yet seamless, all the elements are present for an extraordinary evolution in the bottle. Given its backward style, this wine will require 5-7 years of cellaring, and will age at a glacial pace for 30-40 years. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2045. Feb 1998, www.robertparker.com