An extraordinary effort, and a candidate for wine of the vintage, the 2004 Ausone boasts an inky/blue/purple color as well as a prodigious nose of crushed rocks, white flowers, sweet truffles, black raspberries, cherries, and graphite. Although possessing huge richness as well as medium to full body the historic terroir has also provided a surreal lightness to the wine’s impression. Beautiful flavors, sensational depth, and abundant structure suggest this 2004 will not be close to full maturity for 8-10 years. It should last for four decades. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2065.
Score: 94 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (171), June 2007