<object width="320" height="240"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-DaEIJEjnFU"> </param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-DaEIJEjnFU" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="320" height="240"> </embed> </object> <b>Mike's Tasting Notes:</b> Very dark and opaque in the glass. Vibrant fuchsia rim with hints of violet at the edges. This is heavy and dark on the nose with brambly fruit aromas surrounding brighter cherry tones and warm rich caramel. The wine enters the palate very lush and full with nice tannic strength and power. Rich raspberry and cherry flavors are supported by a nice mineral undercurrent. Great body and depth lead to a long lingering red raspberry finish with hints of sweet tobacco.

This is not a vintage that was immediately seductive, and took its time to come around, but it is now remarkably enjoyable, with fine but abundant tannins that are still very much in place. Reveals waves of liquorice and rose buds, incense, oyster shell and rich autumnal fruits. A conductor of limestone, as is always the case with Ausone, nuanced, classical and beautiful. 100% new oak for ageing, Alain Vauthier owner.

Clearly a contender for wine of the vintage. In a year of masculine styled wine, this is soft, refined and elegant. The ripe tannins are buried under a wealth of ripe fruit, stone, floral and earthy charms. Not close to mature, but offering a beautiful, velvet, focused tasting experience today. If I owned a bottle, I would wait at least 10-15 or 20 years. But if you own a case and you're curious.... why not? Read more at:https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/wine-tasting-note/?vintage=2006&wine=Chateau%20Ausone

Strength and elegance go together in this wine. It has a pure line of clear berry fruits that float above the tannic core. It is not so much rich as dense the tannins a vivid counterpoint to the fruit. The wine finishes with fine elegant sweetness but it is the purity of line that stays in the memory. Age for 10 years at least. R.V.

Tannins are still firmly in control and the 55% Cabernet Franc is lean and fresh, but with a silky sense of possibility and a smoky quality to the fruit. This is grilled to perfection, adding depth and complexity but highlighting the dark fruit purity. Never a hint of excess in Ausone, and the enforced restraint of 2006 suits it perfectly. One to cellar with confidence. Drinking Window 2018 - 2040. -Jane Anson

Tasted blind at Southwold ’06 Bordeaux tasting. This has a very fragrant, sensuous bouquet with kirsch, black cherries and cassis all interlaced with a sorbet like freshness and vitality. Good definition: enthralling clarity and precision. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, very poised and feminine in style with blackcurrant, cassis and black plum. Understated but very focused, sensual and natural on the finish. Great persistency, really coats the mouth in effervescent fruit that electrifies the senses. Wonderful.

Tasted at Bordeaux Index's annual 10-Year On tasting in London.The 2006 Château Ausone has a fragrant bouquet compared to the 2006 Pavie, fomenting more secondary aromas such as smoke, cigar box, potpourri and a smear of Seville orange marmalade. The palate is very refined on the entry, rounded and supple in the mouth. It clearly does not have the density and weight of the Pavie, but it exerts an insistent grip in the mouth and the tannins have symmetry on the finish. It is a very fine Ausone, although Alain Vauthier has overseen better vintages in recent years. Tasted January 2016. - Neal Martin