Chapelle D'Ausone represents the esteemed second wine of Château Ausone, a Premier Grand Cru Classé (A) estate in Saint-Émilion. Sourced from younger vines and specific parcels within the historic Ausone vineyard, it offers an earlier-drinking expression of this iconic terroir while retaining the estate's hallmark precision and elegance.
The vineyard's unique position on Saint-Émilion's limestone plateau, with its steep, south-east facing slopes, imparts a distinctive minerality and freshness to the wines. Composed primarily of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, Chapelle D'Ausone benefits from the same meticulous viticulture and winemaking philosophy as its Grand Vin, albeit with an oak regime tailored to its more approachable profile.
The 2012 vintage, while challenging across Bordeaux, proved particularly favourable for the Right Bank's Merlot-dominant blends. This vintage allowed for the production of wines with good ripeness, supple tannins, and a vibrant fruit character, making Chapelle D'Ausone 2012 a compelling example of its appellation's resilience and charm.
Tasting notes
The 2012 Chapelle D'Ausone presents a nuanced bouquet of ripe red berries, black cherry, and subtle plum, interwoven with delicate notes of cedar, graphite, and a hint of violet. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with a refined structure, showcasing supple tannins and a vibrant acidity that carries the fruit through to a persistent finish. Layers of dark fruit, liquorice, and a characteristic Saint-Émilion minerality are evident, culminating in an elegant and harmonious expression. While approachable now, its balance suggests further development over the next few years.