Ausone Saint-Emilion 1990 Bottle size: 750ml

'After revealing some amber at the edge as well as copious aromas of fruitcake, crushed rocks, incense, and a weedy character, the 1990 Ausone offers up sweet, jammy fruit notes as well as a firm finish with the tell-tale crushed rock minerality that this estate often achieves. The aromatics suggest a fully mature wine, but in the mouth, the firm structure and density indicate this effort needs more time. This wine gives off mixed signals, and I suspect it will last much longer than it appears, but only time will tell. There is a lot to like here, but the 1990 is not one of the most profound Ausones, such as those made since 1998. Owners should try a bottle and make up their own minds, but I think it has another 10- to 15-year window of maximum pleasure.' (Tasted in 2009) - Robert M. Parker Jr, Wine Advocate, 91/100

'Red-ruby with a hint of amber at the edge. Red cherry, redcurrant, minerals, chocolate and a medicinal hint of cough syrup on the nose. Minerally, fresh and juicy, with penetrating acids framing the rich fruit. Finishes very long, with dusty tannins spreading over the entire palate. Turned slightly dry as it opened in the glass. Drink 2006 to 2030.' (Tasted in 2018) - Neal Martin, Vinous, 90/100

'Mid-crimson with ruby rim. Toasty, appetising nose with some vigour. Very elegant wine with a certain noblesse and certainly some tannins for the future. But not all-enveloping class. Quite rigid tannins for the amount of fruit.' (Tasted in 2002) - Jancis Robinson, jancisrobinson.com, 17/20

'Chewy, monolithic wine. Aromas of dried herbs and berries. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a tar, tobacco aftertaste. Puckers your mouth with tannins. Will improve with age. --1990 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2005.' (Tasted in 2000) - Wine Spectator, 92/100