A sleeper of the vintage, Ausone's proprietor, Alain Vauthier, produces this beautiful St.-Emilion. It possesses a sumptuous bouquet of crushed rocks, incense, raspberries, boysenberries, and a touch of cherries. Some earthiness intrudes on the palate, but it adds complexity and nuance rather than detracting from the wine's beautiful fruit. Medium to full-bodied, with admirable elegance and purity as well as ripe tannin, this beauty can be enjoyed over the next 15+ years.