2023, Chapelle d'Ausone, SAINT-ÉMILION, Grand Cru

Bordeaux Blend: Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon.

The 2023 Chapelle d'Ausone has a well-defined bouquet with dark berry fruit, bell pepper and light gravel scents, nicely focused with a subtle marine influence. The palate is medium-bodied with saturated tannins, though it is not as fleshy as previous vintages with quite a strict and linear finish. I suspect it will fill out during barrel-maturation. 90-92 Neal Martin, Vinous (2024).

The 2023 Chapelle d’Ausone is fabulous, as it often is. Succulent, ripe tannins give the 2023 tons of pure charm. Dark red/purplish fruit, lavender, spice, menthol, liquorice and mocha all run through this sumptuous yet structured Saint-Émilion. This will be stellar in another few years time. 92-94 Antonio Galloni, Vinous (2024).

Green and red berry fruit on the nose, some ripe and unripe notes with clear cedar, liquorice and cinnamon tones. Juicy and so lively on the palate, fun and lifted, clear and crunchy cranberry - a touch of bitter, tannins are present but really soft - a tiny chewiness with real freshness and menthol lift at the end. Round and complete, maybe still little shy and oak impacted but this has a good style. Juicy and clean, light in a way, this isn't rich but it has nice depth all the same. 3.62pH. 93 Georgina Hindle, Decanter (2024).

A fresh, delicate bouquet of cassis, violet, iris, raspberries and mulberries introduces the 2023 Chapelle d'Ausone, a medium to full-bodied, concentrated and textured wine with a fleshy core of fruit structured around chalky tannins and a long, precise finish. 91-93 Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate (2024).

Drinking Window: 2030 - 2048