Chateau Ausone   Ausone

1986 Ausone

By Chateau Ausone

1986 Ausone from Chateau Ausone, Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux

An emblem of extraordinary craftsmanship, the 1986 Ausone from Chateau Ausone is an anthology of the climatic challenges and terroir triumphs that marked this famed Saint-Émilion estate. The 1986 vintage emerged from a season where harmonious weather patterns conspired to sculpt wines of profound structure and longevity.

 

Vintage Virtuosity: A Testament to Time

The season's undulating rhythm—a moderate spring followed by a supple summer—complete with adequate rainfall and requisite sunshine, was among the variables that carved the contours of this storied vintage. At its inception, it began a journey that over the ensuing decades would see it ascend towards vinous nobility.

 

Seasoned Elegance: A Venerable Vintage Comes of Age

Four decades in repose have allowed the 1986 Ausone to adopt a cloak of complexity that only time can tailor. Each sip unfurls layers of dark fruit laced with opulent notes of cigar box and truffle. Patrician tannins have evolved with grace—a ballast to the still-lively acidity that dances through the wine's core.

The particularities of the subterranean saint-Émilion terroir are on grand display here, with the limestone contributing a distinctive minerality that underpins those aged characteristics so cherished in fine Bordeaux. Together with the estate's fastidious vinification methods, these elements engender a wine whose investment potential ages as well as it does within its own crystal bastion.

 

In Vino Veritas: The Investment Perspective

For sophisticated fine wine investors seeking a remarkable return on liquid luxury, the 1986 Ausone pontificates on its value beyond mere currency. A darling in auctions and private sales alike, this vintage retains an allure that networked connoisseurs recognize and novices aspire to discover.

In essence, the 1986 Ausone from Chateau Ausone represents audacious craftsmanship met with an almost alchemical transformation through time—a piece de resistance for any serious investor's collection that converses eloquently with both palate and portfolio.

Current market price

$6,030.00

12x75cl

Highest score

85

POP score

724

Scores and tasting notes

85

A deep brick core. The nose is attractive albeit enervated and loose-knit with tobacco, espresso and leather. Medium-bodied on the palate, light fruit intensity, rather austere and certainly lacking grip leading to a rather volatile finish. Just does not really go anyway. This has declined considerably since last tasted in 2002 so I would drink bottle soon. Drink now. Tasted November 2006.

Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jul 2008

74

Another major disappointment, this emaciated, thin wine shows high levels of minerals, structure, and muscle, but no charm, fruit, or succulence. It will last for another 50 years, but will it ever provide any enjoyment? Anticipated maturity: Now-2040. Last tasted, 12/99.

Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 31 December 2002

Vintage performance