A very successful vintage for Ausone, this wine seems to be close to full maturity, but knowing the history of this chateau, it is not unforeseen that it can last another 50 or more years. The wine shows a dark garnet color with considerable amber at the edge. Sweet notes of fruitcake, spice box, underbrush, licorice, and jammy red and black fruits tumble from the glass. The wine is medium-bodied, round, nearly opulent by the standards of this chateau, with a spicy, somewhat pinched finish. Anticipated maturity: Now-2025+. Last tasted, 1/03.

Big fruity Bordeaux with loads of raspberry and jam character. Full-bodied and tannic, but round and medium in finish. Needs time; only beginning to come out. Try after 1997.--The Bordeaux 50. -JS