critic reviews
The 2020 Chapelle d'Ausone has ample toasty oak on the nose, which continues to shade the black fruit underneath. Yet it coheres in the glass, finally allowing the terroir to shine through. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins and a fine bead of acidity. It's very harmonious, with a precise and persistent finish. There's wonderful mineralité and tension here—superb. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.
The 2020 Chapelle d'Ausone contains more Cabernet Franc (60%) than the grand vin this year and 5% of Cabernet Sauvignon too. Revealing aromas of cherries, red berries, incense and cloves, it's medium to full-bodied, perfumed and precise, with a satiny attack and a saline finish.
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.
Unusual blend in Chapelle d'Ausone this year because it is dominant Cabernet Franc, making it one to look out for in future verticals. Starts off with real austerity, opening to waves of floral peony and violet, before it softens and widens into creamy vanilla-spiced raspberry and blackberry fruits. Such a beautiful wine, one to get hold of. Exceptional grip, nuanced with pared-back salinity. 100% new oak, Pauline Vauthier winemaker with cellar master Philippe Baillarguet. First year of official conversion to organic farming.