Tasting Notes

91
Vinous Neal Martin - 01 Mar 18
The 1986 Ausone actually goes some way to compensate for the previous year’s disaster, which frankly should never have been released. Maybe there is some bottle variation as I have encountered one good and one mediocre example before, but this is the best by some way. It shows signs of age on the brick rim. However, I appreciate the freshness on the nose that feels more complex than the 1989, with aromas of mint, blackberry, cedar and aniseed. The palate is well defined with a keen thread of acidity, fresh and lively, decidedly “old school” in style with graphite and cedar on the Pauillac-like finish. This remained very fine in the glass over the course of two hours and might actually have been better than the 1982! Tasted at the Ausone vertical in London.
Drinking Date: 2018 - 2036
Place de la Bourse Bordeaux France Fine Wines

Bordeaux

Red Bordeaux, globally renowned, is crafted in France’s Bordeaux region from grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. These full-bodied wines feature dark fruit flavours, earthy and spicy notes, and often benefit from ageing. Top producers include Château Margaux, Château Latour, and Château Lafite Rothschild. White Bordeaux, made from Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, offers styles from crisp to rich, with citrus and tropical notes. Sweet Bordeaux wines, like Sauternes, are famed for their rich sweetness and flavours of apricot and honey, with Château d’Yquem as a leading producer.