1998 Chateau Ausone, Saint-Emilion, Bottle (750ml)

JS97 "I’m still looking forward to tasting the great Château Ausone of Saint-Émilion later this week, but in the meantime I’m thinking back to this great 1998 I had this summer. In fact, it looks like 2014 was the antithesis of 1998, a year that saw the Right Bank and the early-ripening-merlot-dominated blends triumph over the Left Bank; as I’ve just written, I believe 2014 is showing much better for cabernet sauvignon and the Right Bank. Even so, this was tight and powerful with hints of cream and blueberries. It was full and pretty with firm tannins. On the finish it was so long and intense. Some balsamic and dried fruit undertones. It’s only beginning to open up now." JS Jun 2016

NM96 "Tasted at the Ausone vertical in London. A deep garnet core with some ageing on the rim. The bouquet is very attractive, beginning to develop secondary aromas with macerated black cherries, blueberry, honey a touch of damson and a touch of espresso. Superb definition, the oak fully integrated into the aromatics. The palate is medium-bodied, very fine tannins, still very taut with noticeable acidity. This is certainly an Ausone that would benefit from decanting, the finish developing an almost Burgundian texture with red cherries, a touch of bergamot and a hint of Chinese tea. Again, it needs time, for there is a lot of glycerin at the moment. Great length and persistency, fanning out beautifully with time in the glass. Drink 2011-2025. Tasted December 2009." NM for WJ Nov 2010