Lots of cool blue fruit and violets with some stones and chocolate orange. Supple, silky and very sleek tannins. Medium to full body. Lengthy and fresh on the finish. 75% cabernet franc and 25% cabernet sauvignon.
James Suckling (May 2022)Score: 94-95/100
The 2021 Chapelle d'Ausone is composed of 75% Cabernet Franc, harvested 4-6 October, and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, harvested on 6 October. This is a very unusual blend, as all the Merlot was used for Ausone this year. Deep purple-black colored, it leaps from the glass with notes of fresh red and black currants, bay leaves, and graphite with suggestions of raspberry leaves, mossy tree bark, and fallen leaves. Light to medium-bodied, the palate is super intense with very fine-grained tannins and bold freshness supporting the mineral-tinged red berry layers, finishing with impressive length. This is a real departure from the classic style of this estate's second label and a very clever interpretation of the vintage and the terroir that is well worth seeking out.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Independent (May 2022)Score: 92-94/100Drink 2027-2047
Ruby in color, you find an intriguing cedar, leafy herb, tobacco leaf, coffee bean, red plum and black raspberry nose with a touch of cinnamon in the background. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, lively, fresh and vibrant, with a crisp edge to the red fruits on the palate. The wine blends 75% Cabernet Franc with 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12.6% ABV. This is the first vintage of Chapelle d'Ausone without any Merlot in the blend.
Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider (May 2022)Score: 91-93/100Drink 2026-2037
The 2021 Chapelle d'Ausone is an unusual blend of 75% Cabernet Franc and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, a choice forced by significant losses in the Merlots. Crushed rose petal, mint, red berry fruit, mocha and spice are nicely lifted. A wine of mid-weight structure and class, the Chapelle is very nicely done in what was a brutal vintage for the Vauthier family and for this wine. Yields are down 50%. The 2021 finishes with a lovely burst of understated floral intensity.
Antonio Galloni, Vinous (May 2022)Score: 90-92/100Drink 2026-2036
The 2021 Chapelle d'Ausone, matured in 90% new oak, has a crisp, pure bouquet of black fruit infused with touches of pencil box; hints of violet emerge with time. The palate is medium-bodied and correct, with a strict, linear opening, fine salinity and moderate persistence.
Neal Martin, Vinous (May 2022)Score: 88-90/100Drink 2025-2036
Inviting aromas of berries and plums mingled with vine smoke, spices and loamy soil introduce the 2021 Chapelle d'Ausone, a medium to full-bodied, melting and precise wine that's pretty and seamless, with lively acids and a long, penetrating finish. As usual, it's a blend of wine from young vines with a few barriques of declassified Ausone.
William Kelley, Wine Advocate (April 2022)Score: 91-93/100
Bright violet in colour, with ripe and sappy fruit. This is gorgeous, showing less intensity than recent vintages but a delicately-boned wine with hidden power that leans into the vintage, and is proof of how adaptive this terroir is - fresh in hot vintages, but generous in cool ones. Gooseberry, redcurrant, red cherry, raspberry, crushed rocks, and one of the rare 2nd wines that truly delivers in 2021. Philippe Baillarguet cellar master, 100% new oak, harvest October 4 to 6.
Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux (April 2022)Score: 92/100Drink 2026-2038
Soft perfume, green pepper, wild herbs, creamy black fruits, smoked cedar and dark chocolate - the Cabernet really shining through on the nose. Round and juicy on the palate, bright with lots of energy - almost-sour cherries, blueberries and freshly squeezed strawberry, a joyful burst of summer berry fruits. Subtle and soft in terms of texture with fine and smooth tannins, it's not at all showy, more calm and quiet with a burst of red fruit, then the minerality and soft saltiness comes through. I like the different components, all individually very precise and brought together. A good effort for the vintage. No Merlot for the first time, this is a blend of 75% Cabernet Franc and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Georgie Hindle, Decanter (April 2022)Score: 92/100Drink 2025-2035
Bordeaux / France
En Primeur
2025-2047