Chapelle d'Ausone - St.-Emilion 2022 (1.5L)

Nestled on the southern slope of the medieval city of Saint-Émilion, the Château Ausone enjoys a rich and complex history that dates back to Roman times. Its very name evokes the Roman poet Ausone who, according to legend, owned a villa on these lands. Over the centuries, this emblematic property has become a true standard-bearer of Bordeaux viticulture, combining tradition, elegance and unparalleled know-how.

Stretching over nearly 7 hectares, the Château Ausone vineyard is located on a hillside, benefiting from an ideal exposure and a unique terroir. The soils, composed of a mix of clay on limestone with asterias, give these great Saint-Émilion wines a minerality and finesse that make the estate's reputation. The exceptional geographical location and the small size of the estate allow particular attention to each vine, thus ensuring consistent quality, vintage after vintage.

The second wine of this brilliant château, the 2022 Chapelle D'Ausone checks in as 65% Cabernet Franc, 35% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon that was raised 20 months in barrels. Classic Cabernet Franc notes of black raspberries, currants, spring flowers, candied violets, and sappy mint herbs all shine here, and it's medium to full-bodied on the palate, with a pure, layered, seamless mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and a great finish. While it's not the best vintage for the second wines, you wouldn't know it by tasting this. 

The 2022 Chapelle d'Ausone has turned out nicely, offering up aromas of sweet mulberries, blackberries and plums mingled with hints of violets, mint and creamy new oak. Medium to full-bodied, rich and textural, it's concentrated and generously extracted, with ripe acids and a saline, oak-inflected finish.