WA92: In 1989, Ausone harvested their splendidly situated micro-vineyard between September 7 and 19. Their first cuvee of Merlot reached 14.6% alcohol naturally, the highest anyone at the chateau could ever remember. They also cut off 50% of the grape bunches in an effort to avoid overproduction and the diluted taste that plagued their 1985 and 1986. The result is a wine with remarkable strength, yet stunning balance because of its extremely high tannin content. It is the tannin that gives focus and definition to the wine's intense core of exotic black fruits. This is a medium to full-bodied, backward 1989, possessing a haunting underlying mineral character that seems to be a characteristic of this property's greatest vintages. Those readers who possess a millionaire's income and the cozy trade connections necessary to buy Ausone should be prepared to wait a good 25 years minimum for this wine to reach its apogee. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2035.