Chapelle d'Ausone 2023

Plenty of Cabernet spice on the nose, with verve and precision on the palate; medium-bodied, crisp fruit, light-footed, buoyant, with freshness and an impressive length. Makes you want to try the Grand Vin.

The nose opens with a unique combination of marine-influenced florals, licorice, and cherry aromatics. The palate is medium-bodied, elegant, fresh, and polished with lively, creamy red berries. It is difficult to believe this is a second wine. The wine blends 60% Cabernet Franc, 35% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink from 2028-2045.

Dark ruby, opaque core, purple reflections. Floral, delicate hibiscus, fresh red forest berries, fragrant bouquet. Lean, red-berry driven, taut texture, lively acidity, mineral and salty finish, medium length, light-footed, a versatile food wine.

Ruby, plum, grilled almond, fennel; love the depth of this wine—sappy and irresistible. 100% new oak. Philippe Baillarguet, cellar master; Vauthier family, owners; organic certified in the vineyard.

Score: 92–94. The nose, with clear aromas of fresh flowers and blueberry, evokes the heady late-summer atmosphere. The palate is fresh, zesty and energetic, marked by blue-fruit notes, revealing a satiny texture and a mineral tension. Delicious.