France

Possessing textbook old-vine texture and depth, Albert Mann Auxerrois Vieilles Vignes is an organic wine from Alsace.  It is a cross between Gouais Blanc and Pinot Noir.

90-92 points Burghound:A beguiling nose features black berry and red currant liqueur that merges into rich, generous and opulent flavors that possess a touch of finishing asperity that presently offsets the mid-palate sweetness. There is excellent concentration and a high level of phenolic maturity to the structural elements and that should also amply reward mid-term cellaring. Comments: Outstanding  Drink: 2016+

94+ points The Wine Advocate:One of the vintage’s most compelling wines (what’s new about that?), Alain Vauthier’s beloved 2004 Ausone has closed down considerably since I tasted it out of barrel, but it remains among the most concentrated wines of the vintage. Furthermore, along with Petrus, it will probably be the longest-lived. A dense purple color is accompanied by a celestial perfume of blue and black fruits, wet stones, flowers, and incense. On the palate, the wine exhibits exceptional power and concentration, but this 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. Robert Parker
#171Jun 2007