Chapelle d'Ausone 2012

One can’t say enough about the amazing job that Alain Vauthier and his daughter have done at this historic property on the decomposed limestone slopes of St.-Emilion. About half of their production goes into the second wine, Chapelle D’Ausone, which gives you an indication of the compulsive perfectionist attitude of the Vauthiers. The 2012 Chapelle D’Ausone has a dense ruby/purple color and is rich, broad and expansive, with notes of plum, blueberry and black raspberry fruit, powdered chalk and flowers. The wine is medium to full-bodied, beautifully pure and long and rich. This is better than many of the vintages of Ausone in the 1940s, 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s, which says a lot about what Vauthier has achieved. Drink it over the next 20-25 years.
Drink: 2015 - 2040

The Chapelle is a blend of 60% Cabernet Franc, 25% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon that was picked between 9th and 16th October. It is being matured in 80% new oak. To be honest, I found the level of new oak slightly oppressing the fruit - which is not usual for Chapelle. Perhaps it will meld together with time. The palate is medium-bodied with good fruit intensity, firm tannins, but again, I would have preferred say 60-70% oak to let the fruit speak more. Fine. Tasted April 2013.

This is really superb with a chalk, dark berry, raspberry and citrus character. Full body, firm tannins and all in fruit. Wow. Second wine of Ausone. Better in 2018.

A little reduced at the moment. Some sweet oak spice and a touch of char, though that may be reinforced by the reductive smokiness. Dense and chewy but very fresh and pure fruited. Tastes as if there is a touch of Syrah! Fine and compact tannins. Very promising. Mouthwatering finish from both the freshness and the tannins. (JH)

Ausone's second wine is better than most other Saint Emilions but there are only about 500 cases of it produced annually. A blend of 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon from a hot south-facing terroir. One third of Ausone's total production, it receives the same elevage as the Grand Vin itself. A very purple colour with red and black forest fruits on the nose. Juicy and flashy on the palate with notes of raspberry jam and smoky liquorice. Silky-textured, plump, smooth and sumptuous. Good length.

There is a lot happening on the nose with rich black fruits backed by fresher red. The mid palate is sweet quite lush then towards the back it feels fresher lighter with lots of charm and elegance on the long finish. 2017-26

Alexandre Thienpont describes the Merlot in his 2012 as "simple", saying that it needs the
Cabernet Franc for complexity and palate length, but I think he's being too hard on his
own wine. This isn't another 2010 VCC, but it's still a delight: perfumed, grassy and supple
with bramble and green pepper notes, silky tannins and well handled oak. A château
enjoying a rich vein of form.
Drink: 2020-35