($250) Saturated deep ruby, much darker and brighter than the other vintages tasted. Sappy, fresh aromas of boysenberry, cassis, minerals, bitter chocolate and espresso, with complicating notes of underbrush and earth. Extremely pure and penetrating, with fruit of steel and a powerful mineral underpinning. Finishes with strong, firm tannins and great persistence. Essence of Ausone, without the funkiness shown by so many past vintages of this wine. Offers exciting potential.

Professional content appears courtesy of Vinfolio

A dense opaque purple color offers up restrained, but pure aromas of liquid minerals, blackberries, black raspberries, and flowers. Medium to full-bodied, with high tannin but a long, super-pure, symmetrical mouth-feel, this dazzling, extremely complex Ausone requires 6-10 years of cellaring.

Professional content appears courtesy of Vinfolio

Plenty of mineral and berry character with hints of smoke. Full-bodied, with big, chewy tannins and a long, long finish. Massive Ausone. One of the best in years. 2,000 cases made.

Professional content appears courtesy of Vinfolio

Retail purchase, held one year. Clean cork. A non-starter on the first night after decanting and sitting for 3+ hours. Banished to a lowly vacuum stopper and the fridge overnight, it ia more cooperative day 2. But don't bother, it is dormant, primary and uncooperative on demand. That said... 2nd night is gaining power in the glass, spicy and floral notes on the nose, and now quaffing depth to taste. Finish much longer and vibrant. Its in there, but wow, it's a surly teen. Banish until 2014!