Chapelle d'Ausone 2022
Country: France Region: Bordeaux (Saint-Emilion)
Varietal: Merlot 35%, Cabernet Franc 60% Cabernet Sauvignon 5%
Vintage: 2022 Colour: Red Style: Dry
Producer: Château Ausone
Tasting Notes
The 2022 Chapelle d'Ausone is a blend of 60% Cabernet Franc, 35% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Fermentation and maceration takes place in thermoregulated wooden vats before aging in new oak barrels for about 20 months. The father and daughter team of Alain and Pauline Vauthier make wonderfully ethereal wines from the exceptional limestone slopes below Chateau Ausone. Chapelle represents about 25% of the production from the Ausone vineyard in 2022 and we found it slightly harder to assess than usual, less dramatic, more controlled and reserved. That said, with coaxing, one gets a glimpse at the glorious bouquet of wildflowers, stones, blood orange and camphor. The palate is layered and multifaceted, with impressive concentration and lots of nuance. At this stage the tannins are more dominant than usual and need to find a harmony with the fruit, but there's plenty of potential here.
The 2022 Chapelle d'Ausone has turned out nicely, offering up aromas of sweet mulberries, blackberries and plums mingled with hints of violets, mint and creamy new oak. Medium to full-bodied, rich and textural, it's concentrated and generously extracted, with ripe acids and a saline, oak-inflected finish. 2030 - 2050
93
William Kelley, Wine Advocate, March 2025
The 2022 Chapelle d'Ausone has an intense nose with black cherry and blueberry aromas, with a touch of crushed oyster shell, although the latter is not as pronounced as in barrel. The palate is medium-bodied with a patina of new oak to be absorbed (100% new). Again, a touch of oyster shell tinctures the black fruit. I just feel some wood tannins right on the finish, which causes me to be more prudent with my evaluation. 2027 - 2040
92
Neal Martin, vinous.com, February 2025
High tone fruit and smoky toasted spices on the nose, together with slightly tarry blackberry. The palate is smoky, with sappy tannins propping up the supple fruit in the middle. Deep, seductive and spicy, this has enough vibrancy to carry all the exoticism on show. Spicy on the finish.
93/95
Thomas Parker MW, Farr Vintners, April 2023
Really bright and open with flowers and plums as well as blueberries. It's medium- to full- bodied with creamy and round tannins and a vivid finish. Lots of energy and fruitiness. Second wine of Ausone. 60% cabernet franc, 35% merlot and 5% cabernet sauvignon. Drink after 2028.
94
James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, February 2025
A blend of 60% Cabernet Franc, 35% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, with a pH of 3.52 and a TPI of 74, the Chapelle d’Ausone 2022 is deep garnet-purple in color. It swans out with showy notions of kirsch, black cherry compote, and black raspberries, followed by wafts of garrigue, violets, and cedar chest. Full-bodied, the palate is built like a brick house, delivering firm, fine-grained tannins and amazing acidity to support the dense, generous fruit, finishing long and minerally. Impressive!
93/95
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Independent, May 2023
A great vintage that shows the paradox of limestone, its ability to deliver fragrance and finesse and a touch of austerity even in the most opulent of vintages. 100% new oak for ageing, last year of organic conversion. A beautiful Chapelle that will charm for decades.
95
Jane Anson, JaneAnson.com, March 2025
60% Cabernet Franc, 35% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Cask sample.
Deep, bright crimson hue. Fragrant and floral. More length than breadth but dense all the same. Drives from the word go and stays persistent. A real delight and should age. Perhaps a bit heady. (JL) 15%
Drink 2029– 2042
