As the second wine of Château Ausone, Chapelle d'Ausone is anything but an afterthought. Crafted with the same meticulous care and from the same legendary terroir, it offers an earlier-drinking yet deeply complex expression of one of Bordeaux’s most revered estates. While it may be more approachable in its youth, it still carries the unmistakable purity, structure, and aging potential that define the wines of Château Ausone.
Sourced from both younger vines within the estate’s iconic limestone slopes and some select parcels that do not make it into the Grand Vin, Chapelle d'Ausone is typically a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and a small proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon. The higher percentage of Merlot compared to Château Ausone gives it a more supple and fruit-forward profile, though it still retains the elegant mineral backbone and precision that comes from the estate’s exceptional terroir.
On the nose, it offers a beautifully perfumed bouquet of ripe blackberries, plums, violets, and crushed stone, with hints of cedar, spice, and fresh tobacco. The palate is silky yet structured, with layers of red and black fruits, graphite, and a touch of dark chocolate, all balanced by a vibrant minerality and freshness that is the hallmark of Château Ausone’s limestone-rich soils.
Aged in new French oak, Chapelle d’Ausone benefits from the same rigorous aging process as its elder sibling, allowing it to develop further complexity over time. While it can be enjoyed earlier than Château Ausone, it is far from a simple second wine—it is a serious, age-worthy Bordeaux in its own right, capable of evolving beautifully over 15 to 25 years.
With its exceptional balance, elegance, and depth, Chapelle d'Ausone is one of the greatest second wines produced in Bordeaux. It offers a glimpse into the magic of Château Ausone, making it a coveted choice for collectors and connoisseurs alike.
