2016 Château Ausone Chapelle d'Ausone

Onctuosité délicate, subtilité du fruit, grand tannin raffiné, allonge sculptée. Magnifique.

Some gently smoky nuances with dark stones and a spicy edge to the ripe blackberries and plums that adds plenty of aromatic interest. The palate delivers a very succulent, smoothly rounded and attractive array of rich fruit in a lively, refreshing and expressively vibrant mode. A blend of 56 per cent cabernet franc, 22 percent merlot and 22 per cent cabernet sauvignon. Second wine of Ausone. Try from 2023.

The 2016 Chapelle d’Ausone offers intense black cherries, raspberry coulis and marmalade aromas on the nose, manifesting more delineation in the glass over the course of 10–15 minutes. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins, very pure black fruit and tangible mineralité and tension on the finish. This is pure class, a wine of nobility and deliciousness. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.

Barrel Sample. The second wine of Château Ausone is dominated by both Cabernets, Sauvignon and Franc. It is structured and seriously dense, with plenty of firm tannins as well as delicious acidity. The structured tannins and solid concentration will allow this wine to age over the medium term.

The second wine of Château Ausone, the 2016 Chapelle d'Ausone is a gem of a wine that will stand up to anything out there. Boasting a deep purple/ruby color and terrific notes of cassis, smoked tobacco, licorice, and bouquet garni, it has a mouthfilling texture, fine tannins, and the purity of fruit that makes this vintage so special. Drink it any time over the coming 15 years or so.

A blend of 56% Cabernet Franc, 22% Merlot and 22% Cabernet Sauvignon, the deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Chapelle d'Ausone sings of black raspberries, kirsch and plum preserves with hints of unsmoked cigars, pencil lead, lavender and chocolate box plus a waft of garrigue. Medium-bodied and fantastically elegant in the mouth, the elegant red and black fruit layers are beautifully framed by firm yet fine-grained tannins and lovely freshness, finishing long and minerally.

Quelle robe dense, à la couleur pourpre et aux reflets violets. Le bouquet, lui, se révèle lentement et j'y relève des notes de violettes, de réglisse et d'épices. Au palais, le vin est crémeux, dense et doté de tannins aux grains fins. Que de puissance et que de finesse dès la mise en bouche. Il y a de la race, du fruit et du jus. Tous ces éléments forment un bel ensemble et la Chapelle d'Ausone n'a de deuxième vin que son entité, car elle a un caractère digne d'un grand cru. 2023-2041 94/100

The 2016 Chapelle d'Ausone has the highest proportion of Cabernet Franc at 56% this year, complemented by 22% Merlot and 22% Cabernet Sauvignon. Matured in 80% new oak, it has a very floral, incense and rose petal-scented bouquet that blossoms from the glass. There is an underlying mineral vein here, but it may take a few years to come out. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, crisp acidity, cohesive with good backbone, with fine salinité on the finish. It is just a fabulous Deuxième Vin.