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Noncontractual photographs
Vintage | 1988 |
Rating | 90-94 |
Classification | St Emilion - 1er Grand Cru Classé A |
Region | Bordeaux |
Appellation | Saint Emilion |
Colour | Red |
Volume | 0.75 l |
Price | More than 300 € |
New | yes |
Château | Ausone |
Country | France |
As Angelus, Cheval Blanc and Pavie, Ausone is ranked as Premier Grand Cru Classé A in Saint Emilion. Ausone is a tiny area of 7 acres located on the slopes of St. Emilion. Situated on the location of the villa of the Latin poet Ausonius, the area enjoys a southern exposure, terraced vineyards and very old grape varieties. The cellar, dug into the rock, is extraordinary. The wine, long known to be assertive, they are dense, intense with complex aromas that allow Ausone to rank amongst the best Bordeaux estates. The grape varieties are merlot, cabernet franc with a majority of cabernet franc (55%).
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PAUL JABOULET AINE La Chapelle 1988
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DOMAINE DE LA ROMANEE CONTI 1988
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The 1988 may need 20 years to reach its peak, as it is probably the most tannic, young Ausone I have ever tasted. The tannins are extremely hard, even astringent, but unlike a number of 1988s where the balance between tannins and fruit favors the tannin (always a troubling sign), here is a case where there is plenty of juicy red and black fruit extract in a medium-bodied, superbly concentrated, very intense and powerful wine
Medium depth, touch of cherry red; extraordinarily sweet and nutty. Excellent body, flavour, balance and length.