2012 Chapelle d'Ausone
By Chateau Ausone
2012 Chapelle d'Ausone, Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux, France
In the gilded tapestry of Saint-Emilion, the 2012 Chapelle d'Ausone from Chateau Ausone heralds its own unique narrative—an opus of precision and elegance, woven into a challenging growing season. As connoisseurs are well aware, the character of a Bordeaux vintage is cryptically inscribed in the year's climatic rhythms, and 2012 was no exception.
A Year of Triumph Over Adversity
The year 2012 tossed Bordeaux a climatic puzzle - a test of mettle resulting in more hits than misses. A trying cold spell followed by excessive rain risked blemishing harvest prospects across the region. However, it was the dry and sunlit relief towards the end of summer that became the saving grace for vineyards poised with precision viticulture. Chateau Ausone, with its enviable terroir and unerring commitment to finesse, navigated with aplomb and produced a Chapelle d'Ausone shining with potential.
The Laudable Traits of 2012 Chapelle d'Ausone
This pivotal 2012 chapter encapsulates depth alongside deftness. The wine radiates with a chromatic depth that speaks of its careful crafting—a hue akin to polished rubies. On the nose, it unfurls layers after layers—a cornucopia of dark cherries infused with whispers of truffle and pencil shaving finesses. With each sip, this Saint-Emilion charms the palate with succulent fruit supported by tannic structure both rigorous and silken. Laced throughout are mineral inflections that salute its limestone sanctuary—it's an articulate expression of time and place.
Intrinsic to its brilliance is not just the harmonious balance but also an agile longevity; providing ample joy now yet promises considerable evolution—an engaging prospect for serious wine investors.
An Investment Worth Savoring
For investors seeking a storied bottle from Bordeaux's vast cellars, 2012 Chapelle d'Ausone stands out as a work of art crafted during a year where every beam of sunlight counted. Its journey from vine to cellar speaks volumes about resilience and suggests its potential flourish in both glass and market alike—a truly investable vintage epitomising the majesty of what can be achieved in Saint-Emilion despite nature's caprice.
Market price (GBP)
£1,310.00
12x75cl
Highest score
93
POP score
100.77
Scores and tasting notes
This is very intense and creamy with lots of citrus and chalky. Full body, with lively acidity and a firm tannin structure. Second wine of Ausone. Beauty.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, April 4th 2013
One can’t say enough about the amazing job that Alain Vauthier and his daughter have done at this historic property on the decomposed limestone slopes of St.-Emilion. About half of their production goes into the second wine, Chapelle D’Ausone, which gives you an indication of the compulsive perfectionist attitude of the Vauthiers. The 2012 Chapelle D’Ausone has a dense ruby/purple color and is rich, broad and expansive, with notes of plum, blueberry and black raspberry fruit, powdered chalk and flowers. The wine is medium to full-bodied, beautifully pure and long and rich. This is better than many of the vintages of Ausone in the 1940s, 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s, which says a lot about what Vauthier has achieved. Drink it over the next 20-25 years.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 29 April 2015
The second wine, the 2012 La Chapelle d'Ausone, is an equal part blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc displaying an inky/blue/purple color as well as a sweet kiss of blueberry, blackberry, crushed rock and spring flower characteristics. Remarkably, no one at a blind tasting would ever believe this medium to full-bodied effort is a second wine
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #206
The Chapelle is a blend of 60% Cabernet Franc, 25% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon that was picked between 9th and 16th October. It is being matured in 80% new oak. To be honest, I found the level of new oak slightly oppressing the fruit
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2013