This 2006 Ausone from Bordeaux, France is a wine that exudes elegance and power. With a deep, opaque red color, it catches the eye immediately. The vibrant fuchsia rim with hints of violet at the edges adds to its allure. On the nose, this wine offers a heavy and dark aroma, with brambly fruit notes intermingled with brighter cherry tones and warm, rich caramel.
Once it enters the palate, the 2006 Ausone showcases its lush and full-bodied character. The tannins are strong and powerful, providing a solid structure to the wine. The flavors of raspberry and cherry are rich and indulgent, and are complemented by a subtle mineral undertone. The wine has great body and depth, leading to a long, lingering finish of red raspberry with hints of sweet tobacco.
Renowned wine critic Mike Supple awarded this wine an impressive score of 98, praising its dark and opaque appearance, lush palate, and long finish. Wine Enthusiast also recognizes the strength and elegance of this wine, highlighting its pure line of clear berry fruits and vivid tannic core. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate describes it as refined, rounded, and supple, with gripping tannins and a symmetrical finish.
Neal Martin's Wine Journal commends this wine for its fragrant bouquet, sensuousness, and wonderful persistence. Wine Spectator notes the balanced and modern characteristics of this wine, with its cedar, vanilla, and berry flavors. Decanter recognizes the firm tannins and smoky quality, while Jeff Leve considers this wine a contender for wine of the vintage, with its softness, refinement, and elegance.
Overall, the 2006 Ausone is a wine that showcases the best of Bordeaux. Its complexity, depth, and elegance make it a remarkable choice for wine enthusiasts and collectors. With its potential for aging, this wine promises to evolve and develop further over the years, rewarding those who have the patience to wait.