CHAPELLE D'AUSONE 2nd wine of Chateau Ausone, Saint-Emilion 2020 Bottle - NO DISCOUNT

Description

Chateau Ausone is named after the Roman poet Ausonius who owned over 100 acres of vineyard around Saint Emilion. It is perched on the hillside in the southern outskirts of the village of Saint Emilion.

Ausone has only 7.3 hectares of vines and its vineyards (Merlot 50%, Cabernet Franc 50%) flourish on a steep, south-east facing slope, protecting them from cold north winds and westerly rain. Those vines at the top of the slope thrive on limestone (the `St.Emilion plateau') whilst those further down benefit from a clay/loam topsoil (the 'Côtes').

Ausone struggled during the 1950s and 1960s, but with the hiring of new régisseur Pascal Delbeck in 1976, the estate returned to producing wines worthy of its outstanding historic reputation. Recently Ausone has been at the very peak of its form and with the ubiquitous Michel Rolland now acting as consultant, it is now producing ultra-rich, lush, exotically fruity wines that require a minimum 10 years of bottle ageing.

DECANTER 94 points
Tasted by Jane Anson - Part of Best Bordeaux 2020 second wines
"This has a beautifully nuanced yet deep flavour, showing the tight pared-back salinity and juice of limestone alongside fleshy blackberry fruits. There are firm but flexible tannins, it has grip and tension and frankly all the things that you want from a Chapelle, giving a generous hint of what you can expect from Ausone itself. First year of official conversion to organic farming. 3.66pH. 100% new oak. Drinking Window 2026 - 2040."

JANCIS ROBINSON 16.5+ points
Drink: 2027 - 2038
60% Cabernet Franc, 35% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Cask sample.
"Definitely more Cabernet-orientated these days providing a structured, driven feel to the palate. Aromatically reserved but lithe fruit and firm but fine tannins. Great persistence on the finish. Should fill out in time."