2021 Chapelle d'Ausone

Some sage flower, orange blossom, violet and currant aromas follow through to a medium body, with soft and velvety tannins that show depth and texture. Pure, pretty and supple. Second wine of Ausone. 75% cabernet franc and 25% cabernet sauvignon. Better in a year or two.

A unique blend of 75% Cabernet Franc and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon that hit roughly 300 cases, the 2021 Chapelle D'Ausone comes from a selection of all the parcels and was raised in 90% new barrels. (It's the first time this cuvée has never included Merlot.) Cassis, redcurrants, spring flowers, iron, truffle, and sappy, tobacco-like notes all emerge from this refined, elegant, incredibly lengthy second wine. With good concentration, medium body, and a focused, seamless, yet still structured style, you could easily put this up with the top wines of the vintage.

The 2021 Chapelle d'Ausone has a well-defined bouquet, the Cabernet Franc firmly in the driving seat here, with pencil box and undergrowth infusing the black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, silky smooth in texture and neither deep nor concentrated, but retaining commendable tension on the finish. Enjoy it over the next decade.