2014 Chapelle d'Ausone

The 2014 Chapelle d'Ausone came across quite plush when I tasted it from barrel. Now in bottle it has certainly attained a more classic style without compromising the satisfying delineation and focus. There is plenty of fresh red cherry, crushed strawberry and loganberry fruit to savor, an undercurrent and limestone that percolates through. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, very refined and focused with superb tension and nuance. This just glides across the mouth, not a million miles away from the 2014 La Clotte in style, blessed with a very persistent finish.

The 2014 Chapelle d’Ausone is soft, open-knit and silky. Dark red and purplish-hued stone fruits, mint, rose petal and lavender are pushed front and center in the Chapelle, Ausone’s Merlot-based second wine. Radiant and enveloping, the 2014 will drink nicely right out of the gate. A closing flourish of rose petal, blood orange and spice adds an exotic flair to this very pretty and expressive Saint-Émilion.

50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. 85% new oak. Pretty smart and broad nose with superior notes but not much concentration. Decidedly superior and good for early drinking. (JR)