Guaranteed Stock
Lots of currants, mineral and licorice character. Full- to medium-bodied, with racy tannins. Mouthpuckering and very polished. Super well-crafted. Equal to or better than the '00? Final judgment after it's bottled. Score range: 95-100
Drinking Window: 2011 - 2028
The 2001 Ausone has put on even more weight than I anticipated. The “wine of the vintage,” this inky/purple-colored 2001 boasts a provocative, floral perfume of crushed stones, raspberries, blackberries, creme de cassis, licorice, and smoke. What makes it so sensational are the layers of flavor and nuances that unfold as the wine sits in the glass as well as on the palate. This is an extraordinarily intense effort, but remarkably elegant and well-balanced. It ideally needs another decade of cellaring; it should last for 4-5 decades! Alain Vauthier is a perfectionist, which is evidenced by what he has produced over the last half dozen vintages at Ausone. Kudos to readers lucky enough to find a bottle or two ... and live long enough to enjoy them in their prime. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2050+.
Drinking Window: 2012 - 2050
Reviewer Name: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Review Date: 30th June 2004
Good medium ruby. Aromas of framboise, violet pastille, minerals and licorice, with a note of cherries macerated in alcohol. Lush, smooth and bright, with superb intensity of fruit and brilliant focus. Strong minerality gives the flavors terrific thrust. This has stuffing and structure. Finishes very long, with firm tannins coating the entire mouth.
Drinking Window: 2011 - 2028
Review Date: 1st May 2002
Gil opened the discussion on the 2001 Ausone with 'back road Pennsylvania iron works deer hunter,' perhaps reminiscing about his youth :). I liked the '01 much more, as it was more classic in the nose, full of ceramic crispness as well as great length and penetration. Aromas of mint, fir and chocolate glaze danced around its meaty core. The palate was fine, stylish and long, possessing that Cheval elegance despite it being all Ausone. It was crisp but also possessed that same cedary flavor that marred the '02, although the '01 kept it more in check.
Drinking Window: 2011 - 2028
