Chapelle d'Ausone 2011

Wonderful aromas of dried berry and light black truffle. Full body, intense tannins and a long, flavorful finish. This shows backbone and depth. A blend of 60% merlot, 30% cabernet franc and 10% cabernet sauvignon. Second wine of Ausone. Try in 2020.

The 2011 Chapelle d'Ausone offers a dense opaque purple color as well as striking floral notes intermixed with notions of blackberries and blueberries. It possesses full-bodied richness, good minerality, terrific palate-penetrating characteristics and an unreal finish. It, too, is one of the top wines of the vintage, and it should be drinkable at an earlier date than its bigger sibling.

The Chapelle d'Ausone has an intense bouquet with vibrant, slightly dusty black fruit that are very well defined and develop intriguing earthy, almost graphite aromas with aeration. Leaving it in my glass over five minute is offers some gorgeous, yet subtle floral notes. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and a degree of composure and refinement. One feels that they could have easily tried to extract more from this wine but resisted temptation and consequently produced a better wine. Everything in its right place. Tasted April 2012.