Chateau Ausone 1er Grand Cru Classe A 1996

Parker om: Chateau Ausone 1er Grand Cru Classe A

A brilliant Ausone, the 1996 displays this property's tell-tale mineral characteristic in its multidimensional bouquet. In addition, there is a plum-like liqueur intermixed with black currants, cold steel, floral, and crushed stone scents. Dense and rich, as well as extremely subtle, this medium-bodied Ausone possesses extraordinary richness, yet no sense of heaviness. It takes the prize for having a rare equilibrium of flavor and structure. As the wine sat in the glass, I was convinced I smelled violets, or something that reminded me of the 1990 Comte de Vogue Musigny. Undoubtedly one of the great wines of the vintage, the 1996 Ausone will require a decade of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2050. 94-95/100