Chapelle d'Ausone 2015 [magnum]

Robert Parker Wine Advocate

A second label produced mainly from the younger vines at Château Ausone, the 2015 Chapelle d'Ausone is a blend of 45% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in French oak barrels, 85% new, for 20 months. Deep garnet-purple in color, it appears broody to begin, offering glimpses at black berry preserves and crème de cassis notions with nuances of cigar box, Chinese five spice, menthol and chocolate box. Full-bodied, firm and grainy with a taut structure and packed with youthful, muscular fruit, it finishes on a compelling mineral note.

VertdeVin

The nose is fine, fruity, relatively charming, relatively precise and offers harmony and elegance. It reveals notes of boysenberry and cassis combined with a discreet hint of blueberry, Zan and tobacco. The palate is fruity, fleshy, balanced, suave, quite gourmand and offers minerality, freshness, a nice volume, a fine grain as well as a beautiful and silky matter. On the palate this wine expresses notes of blackberry, plum and slight notes of black cherry associated with slight notes of juicy blueberry, licorice as well as a discreet hint of chocolate and fine touches of sweet spices (Bourbon vanilla, a hint of cardamom). Tannins are fine and velvety. Good length and persistence with notes of juicy fruits, a fine hint of toasted oak and toasted hazelnut. The finish is relatively powerful.

Falstaff

Wine Enthusiast

The second wine of Château Ausone, this is a great bottling in its own right. Powerful tannins merge into equally fine black fruits. The tannins and a complex mix between ripe fruit, acidity and spice go together into an impressive wine for aging. Drink from 2027.