France

Cabernet Sauvignon

Merlot

Cabernet Franc

Ch. Ausone

Chapelle d'Ausone Saint-Emilion Grand Cru

Bordeaux

Saint-Emilion Grand Cru

A blend of 60% Cabernet Franc, 35% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2023 Chapelle d’Ausone is a combination of two plots, plus some press wine. It has a deep garnet-purple color and after a little shaking the nose erupts with notes of wild strawberries, black raspberries, and wood smoke, followed by nuances of garrigue and fallen leaves, with a hint of iron ore. Medium-bodied, the palate vibrates with electric black and red berry layers, framed by fine-grained tannins and great tension, finishing long and shimmery. Impressive!

by Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW

(barrel sample)
Ruby red. Delicate nose with violets, perfume, bell pepper, red currant, spice, minerals and blueberries. Fresh acidity. Velvety with sweet cherries, milk chocolate, bell pepper and herbs. Polished tannins. Long. 92-94p

Expert

Duft av plommer på peak, sorte stikkelsbær, lys sjokolade, hint av vanilje.

Smak av kjølige 10/10 bringebær. En veldig nyansert fruktprofil, appellerer flott. Meget pene tanniner allerede nå.

94-95p.

Vivid ruby with violet reflections, fragrant aromatics delivering peony and cassis puree, slate, pummice, the edge of savoury that is mouthwatering with subtle depths. Less density than many vintages, but so well handled, just totally delicious. Unusual blend with only Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, harvest  4 and 5 October. Philippe Baillarguet cellar master. 

Inside Bordeaux

A blend of 60% Cabernet Franc, 35% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, with a pH of 3.52 and a TPI of 74, the Chapelle d’Ausone 2022 is deep garnet-purple in color. It swans out with showy notions of kirsch, black cherry compote, and black raspberries, followed by wafts of garrigue, violets, and cedar chest. Full-bodied, the palate is built like a brick house, delivering firm, fine-grained tannins and amazing acidity to support the dense, generous fruit, finishing long and minerally. Impressive!

Cloves and sage spices, touches of fennel, redcurrant, with a brightness to it that is rare in 2021, and fine tannins that give form to the fruit. Cleary lighter than in most years, but unquestionable finesse. As I noted during En Primeur, one of the rare 2nd wines that truly delivers in 2021n abd is one to look out for. Philippe Baillarguet cellar master, harvest October 4 to 6. 90% new oak (down from 100% in most years). Single point upgrade.

The 2020 Chapelle d'Ausone is a blend of 60% Cabernet Franc, 35% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep garnet-purple in color, it is shut down  to begin, soon giving way to profound notes of wild blueberries, black raspberries, and boysenberry preserves, plus suggestions of Indian spices, licorice, and lilacs. The medium-bodied palate is tightly knit with nuanced black and red fruits, supported by velvety tannins and beautifully judged freshness, finishing long and fragrant.

A blend of 60% Cabernet Franc and 40% Merlot, the 2019 Chapelle d'Ausone is deep garnet-purple in color. Lifted notes of black raspberries, redcurrant jelly, and blackberry preserves waft from the glass, followed by hints of unsmoked cigars, baking spices, and violets. The medium-bodied palate is plush and juicy, with loads of fragrant layers and a lively, perfumed finish.

The 2018 Chapelle d’Ausone has a deep garnet purple color. Wearing a fair bit of oak to begin, it opens out to notes of prunes, boysenberry preserves, and tobacco, with a waft of bay leaves. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has compelling energy and super fine-grained tannins, finishing long and minerally. 

Layered and nuanced nose with floral dark fruit, violet, aniseed and tobacco. Dense palate with both freshness and ripeness, complex and layered with a dense long finish.

Sommelier

The 2012 Chapelle d'Ausone is medium to deep garnet colored. Notions of coffee grounds, tilled soil, and tapenade waft over a core of baked black cherries and Christmas pudding plus a touch of cardamom. Medium-bodied, the palate has lovely freshness and firm, grippy tannins with delicate, maturing flavors, finishing with a mineral lift.

More serious, with the impact of Cabernet Sauvignon striking in the blend, partly because the vintage has the kind of structure that favours dark fruits character. Gives a pause to the fruit, a blast of fresh air between the opening beats and the close of play, has tension and grip, and is serious. Decades ahead. Winemaker/cellar master Philippe Baillarguet, overseen by Pauline Vauthier and father Alain, 100% new oak for ageing. Cabernet Sauvignon here, planted in 2006, on the slopes. 11th generation of the Vaulthiers.

Beautiful deep plum colour, a totally gorgeous 2009, silky and supple in its tannic structure, knitted together but you can hardly see a single stitch. Easy to drink now, but no rush - expect intensity and concentration among the sweet ripe fruits, juicy, sappy, tingling minerality, delivering exactly what you want 2009 to do. Winemaker/cellar master Philippe Baillarguet, overseen by Pauline Vauthier, 11th generation of the family, working with her father Alain, 100% new oak for ageing.

Category	Red wine
Vinmonopolet no.
Producer	Ch. Ausone
Vintages	2023
Country	France, Bordeaux, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru
Bottle	75 cl

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Sugar	g/l

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