It did not take me long to realize that the 2008 vintage was dramatically better than I had expected. It had all the qualities that make an excellent and in some cases, a great vintage so special: exceptionally dark opaque colours, gorgeously ripe fruit, stunning purity almost across the board, great freshness (because it was a cool year), slightly higher acids than normal, and remarkable density as well as concentration. ROBERT PARKER

From just north of Fronsac and made by Chateau Ausone's vineyard manager Laurent Vallet this is terrific Bordeaux at an amazing price! Deep crimson, this floods the palate with delicate red fruits and cassis. Sweet and gentle with good length, fine grained tannins round out this persistent and very attractive Bordeaux Superieur. Great drinking at this price. Sebastian, PWS