1982 Ausone
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Tasting notes
One of the vintage's comparative disappointments, the 1982 Ausone exhibits somewhat evolved aromas of sweet dried berries and currants mingled with notions of forest floor, kirsch and grilled game meats. Medium-bodied, with firm, astringent tannins and somewhat desiccated fruit flavors, this bottle, purchased on release and stored impeccably, left much to be desired.
Critic scores
Average Score
Wine Spectator
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The 1982 Ausone is a wine that I have tasted three or four times before, always a good but perhaps not great expression of the vintage, since it would be a good few years before Alain Vauthier could improve the winemaking. At 36 years of age it is showing quite wide bricking on the rim. The bouquet is generous though not as profound as say, Cheval Blanc, quite savoury in style, dark chocolate, meat juices and dried blood. It is pleasurable but just lacks some vigour. The palate is medium-bodied with soft tannin, fine depth and a sweet core of degraded fruit. I have always felt this is a loose-knit Ausone, lacking the backbone of a great wine, although I appreciate the tobacco and mocha-tinged finish. Drink now and over the next decade. Tasted at the Ausone vertical in London.
Deep and smudgy at the edge. Easy and soft, but absolutely correct mature St Emilion. (JR)
Mid-ruby with brick rim. Warm, correct nose; not blockbuster but smudgy appeal. Mature, warm and welcoming but not well defined. Very slight inkiness on the finish. Very soft old-style Ausone. Comforting rather than stimulating. Quite long, classic, elegant mature St Emilion. (JR)
About the producer
Ch. Ausone is one of Bordeaux’s most respected estates. At this small property, perched atop a hill overlooking the town of Saint-Emilion, the Vauthier family produces some of the finest wines in the region.