critic reviews
Deep garnet-purple colored. Needs some patient swirling to see past the cedary overtones, revealing fragrant red currant jelly, raspberry coulis, and pencil shavings notes, leading to hints of rose oil and wild sage. The medium-bodied palate is tight-knit with vibrant red berry flavors and firm, grainy tannins, finishing long and refreshing. Very pretty! All the Merlot went into the Ausone. 6000 bottles only will be made.
The 2024 Chapelle d'Ausone, like the 2021, contains no Merlot. This is a blend of 85% Cabernet Franc and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged for 20 months in new oak barrels. It has an intense bouquet with brambly red berry fruit, blueberry and light violet scents. This is finely delineated, although the 2022 was more complex. The palate is medium-bodied with a smooth entry, a linear style and more black fruit compared to say, La Clotte.
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.
Due to poor flowering in the estate's Merlot holdings, the 2024 Chapelle d'Ausone is all-Cabernet this year. Offering up notes of sweet dark berries, mint, rose petals and spices, it's nicely integrated, with a medium-bodied, supple palate underpinned by a tangy spine of acidity.