1999 Chateau Ausone Premier Grand Cru Classe A, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 1x750ml

Vinous 94

The 1999 Ausone replicated the impressive performance it showed from barrel. It went through an awkward stage after bottling but now it has reached adulthood, this is a great success for the vintage, a wine that I suspect will be under-estimated against the 2000 and 2001. It has a very intense bouquet with blackberry and blueberry aromas, the oak nicely integrated and over the course of three hours it achieved more and more precision until it attained an almost pastille-like purity. The palate is medium-bodied with surprisingly sumptuous tannin that lend it a velvety texture. There is a lushness countered by a sense of tension and it just blossoms after three or four hours in the glass. Do not ignore this wine. Tasted at the Ausone vertical in London. [Neal Martin, 01/03/2018]

Anticipated maturity: 2018-2040

Robert Parker 90

This Ausone has a deep, broody nose with black cherries, iodine, leather and a touch of ginger. The palate is full-bodied with thick chewy tannins, not as fine as more recent vintages. Pure black cherries, iodine, bilberry, a touch of sourness towards the finish that shows a slight hardness. This is what you might describe as a “steadfast”, almost “conservative” Ausone, but it seems to have lost the exuberance that it demonstrated in its youth. Drink 2012-2025. Tasted June 2009. [Neal Martin, 06/01/2009]

Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025