Chapelle d'Ausone St. Émilion Grand Cru Red Bordeaux Blend 2011

Jay Kline

Opened earlier in the day and double decanted a few hours prior to service. The 2011 Chapelle d’Ausone pours an opaque ruby/purple color; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing with powerful notes of black currants, purple flowers, tobacco, earth, and baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+. This was back when Merlot constituted more of the blend at nearly 50/50 with Cabernet Franc (although there seems to be a kinds of ideas about the exact breakdown). These days, it’s nearly 75% Cabernet Franc, a trend that’s been gaining popularity throughout Saint-Emilion. If this is Ausone’s second wine, I would imagine the Grand Vin is pretty sensational…and likely long lived. This seemed youthful. No doubt, the more green nature of the 2011 vintage is playing a role in that but there’s also undeniable quality. Drink now with patience and through 2036 with ease.

Alaina Molinaro

Beautiful elegant wine. Balanced, adequate fruit and tannins. Want more