1985 Ausone
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Tasting notes
The 1985 Ausone is, to borrow the verbiage of Mr. Parker, a major disappointment. I cannot think of a vintage where potential and actual quality are so at odds. It has an odd and malodorous peppermint, boiled sweet, cabbage-scented nose. The palate is medium-bodied with brown sugar and something cloying sweet that jars against what must have been under-ripe fruit. It is like a substandard Pinotage but a lot more expensive. It is vintages like this that tarnished the reputation of this historic château in the 1980s and thank goodness they are consigned to history. Avoid. Tasted at the Ausone vertical in London.
Critic scores
Average Score
Wine Spectator
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
A major disappointment, this wine continues to dry out, showing light body, high tannin, a weedy, red currant fruitiness, and a pinched, abrasive finish. It has gotten worse as it has aged in the bottle. Anticipated maturity: now. Last tasted, 11/99.
A deceptive wine, still not giving much. Pure fruit aromas of raspberry and strawberry. full-bodied with fine tannins. Try after 1997.--The Bordeaux 50. James Suckling, Wine Spectator 1994
The 1985 Ausone is a light, supple, pleasant, but somewhat one-dimensional wine that continues to offer an indifferent performance. It should be at its plateau of maturity between Now-2005. Last tasted, 4/93. Aug 1993, www.robertparker.com
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.