Chateau Ausone 1995

96 WINESPECTATOR: "Flower and berry character, with hints of clove and black pepper. Full-bodied and very rich, with decadent flavors. Oozes with ripe fruit. Goes on and on. Fabulous.--´95/´96 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2008." - JS. 93 THE WINEADVOCATE: "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. This wine will age at a glacial pace for 30-40 years. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2045. Last tasted, 3/01." - Robert M. Parker, Jr. 92+ ANTONIO GALLONI: "Deep violet-tinged ruby. Lively cassis, black cherry, tobacco and smoky oak aromas. Lush and dense, though a bit shocked by the bottling. Combines the penetrating, juicy quality and class of previous vintages of this wine with the more opulent texture and suaver tannins craved by so many of today Bordeaux lovers. May well eventually merit a higher score, but will it surpass the ´96?" - Stephen Tanzer - May 1998. 18.5 JANCIS ROBINSON: "Mineral toasted nose immediately. Warm and full. Rich and charming. Fully evolved with hint of dried curry spices. Exotic and lots of burnt fun." Drink: 2006-2020.