Chateau Ausone 2006

This iconic Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé A reveals profound aromas of black cherry, cassis, plum, violet, graphite, truffle, and cedar. Full-bodied and impeccably structured, the palate delivers exceptional concentration, silky tannins, remarkable freshness, and extraordinary length with outstanding aging potential.

Food Pairing: Roast lamb, beef Wellington, duck confit, venison, truffle dishes, foie gras, aged hard cheeses.

98 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

One of the handful of candidates for wine of the vintage is the 2006 Ausone. In fact, while tasting it, I was thinking, is there any estate in Bordeaux that, since 1998, has made as many legendary wines as proprietor Alain Vauthier has at his beloved Ausone? Boasting an inky/blue/purple color as well as an extraordinary, precise bouquet of minerals, flowers, blueberry liqueur, and black currants, this wine possesses fabulous fruit and great intensity, but what makes it so special is its precision, focus, and almost ethereal lightness despite substantial flavor intensity and depth. It is a ballerina with density and power. The abundant noticeable tannin is sweet and, not surprisingly, very finely grained. It should be cellared for a decade, and consumed over the following half century.

97 Points - Wine Enthusiast

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.

93 Points - Wine Spectator

Cedar, new wood and crushed blackberry and raspberry aromas follow through to a palate of vanilla, berry and blackberry character. Balanced and modern, with lots of fruit. Lively, with bright acidity. Best after 2014.