Parker 90 Punkte
The 1988 may need 20 years to reach its peak, as it is probably the most tannic, young Ausone I have ever tasted. The tannins are extremely hard, even astringent, but unlike a number of 1988s where the balance between tannins and fruit favors the tannin (always a troubling sign), here is a case where there is plenty of juicy red and black fruit extract in a medium-bodied, superbly concentrated, very intense and powerful wine. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2040.
WeinWisser 18/20 Punkte
Tiefes, sattes Weinrot, sanft schwarze Reflexe in der Mitte, leichter Rand. Würziges, nach Palisander, Walnüssen und Spitzwegerich duftendes Bouquet. Im Gaumen fest, viel sattes Extrakt, tolle Würznoten, konzentriert, grossartiges Potential, unterschätzt, gewaltiger Ausone.