Chateau Ausone   Chapelle dAusone

2015 Chapelle d'Ausone

By Chateau Ausone

2015 Chapelle d’Ausone from Chateau Ausone, Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux

The 2015 vintage in Saint-Émilion is one that has been etched into the annals of vinous history, producing wines that speak volumes of their origin and craftsmanship. The 2015 Chapelle d'Ausone from Chateau Ausone, a wine of significant stature, has gracefully entered the arena with a presence that whispers regality and poise.

 

The Simplicity of Elegance Interwoven with Complexity

There is a refined complexity in this wine that stems from both its pedigree and the particularly generous climatic conditions bestowed upon Bordeaux in 2015. The Chapelle d’Ausone emerges as a blend majestically crafted to display its lineage with an alluring youthfulness that belies the seriousness beneath.

 

A Vintage to Remember

The unmistakable terroir-driven qualities of the limestone and clay soil of Saint-Émilion find their voice in this bottle –a chorus of dark fruits and floral notes harmoniously intertwined with undertones of minerality. On the palate, the 2015 vintage delivers confidence; it is an articulate exposition of finesse, layering structured tannins with the velvety texture that only time can weave. Remarkably balanced, with each sip evoking a sense of purpose and place, it cogently articulates why this year was hailed as exceptional for Bordeaux.

A judicious maturation in French oak barrels provides whispers of spice that complement rather than overwhelm, allowing the integrity of the fruit and terroir to communicate unabatedly. This investment-worthy incarnation of Chapelle d’Ausone invites those who partake to ponder over its evolution, promising continued revelation with each additional year it spends cradled within the cellar's repose.

 

Connoisseur Considerations

Investors seeking to embellish their portfolios would do well to consider the 2015 Chapelle d'Ausone, not only for its tangible qualities but also for its latent potential – a gem amongst stones awaiting the patient hand willing to polish it to perfection. As time marches on and this wine matures, one cannot help but foresee an unfolding narrative written in liquid luxury – a chapter surely worth savoring.

Market price (CAD)

$1,990.00

12x75cl

Highest score

94

POP score

85.71

Scores and tasting notes

94

Two-thirds of the crop went into the Grand Vin in 2015, but Ausone’s second label is still very impressive indeed. Perfumed and silky, with effortless oak integration, fine-boned tannins and nuanced red and black fruits, it lingers on the palate. One for those of us who can’t afford Ausone... Drink: 2022-30

Tim Atkin - timatkin.com

94

A second label produced mainly from the younger vines at Château Ausone, the 2015 Chapelle d'Ausone is a blend of 45% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in French oak barrels, 85% new, for 20 months. Deep garnet-purple in color, it appears broody to begin, offering glimpses at black berry preserves and crème de cassis notions with nuances of cigar box, Chinese five spice, menthol and chocolate box. Full-bodied, firm and grainy with a taut structure and packed with youthful, muscular fruit, it finishes on a compelling mineral note.

Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 21 February 2018

91-93

The 2015 Chapelle d'Ausone is a blend of 45% Cabernet Franc, 45% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon picked between 29 September and 15 October, matured in 85% new oak for 20 months. Pauline Vauthier commented that it was relatively easy to parse the lots between grand vin and deuxième vin this year. The nose is a little broody at first, a touch of mintiness coming through the black cherry and cassis scents. The palate is medium-bodied with a touch of dark chocolate on the entry, plenty of cassis fruit, fine tannin with a gentle grip towards the finish that feels a little more structured than recent vintages. This will probably offer 8-10 years' pleasure, possibly more.

Neal Martin - eRobertParker.com, #224, April 2016

16.5

Black! Good freshness on the nose. Very sweet start - fermented blackcurrant pastilles - and finishes a little dry at the moment.

Jancis Robinson - jancisrobinson.com

Vintage performance