Consumers should take a look at the 2000 Chapelle d'Ausone. This wine is priced at 10% of its bigger sibling. The tightly-structured, mineral-infused 2000 Chapelle d'Ausone exhibits outstanding concentration as well as depth in addition to floral, blackberry, and blueberry aromas and flavors. Deep and rich, it is better than many Ausones produced in the seventies, sixties, and fifties ... believe it or not! Anticipated maturity: 2008-2025.

(includes a bit more merlot and more press wine than the grand vin Ruby-red. Aromatic nose combines redcurrant, raspberry and minerals. Quite suave and supple on the front half, with sweet flavors of raspberry and minerals. Then a bit tight on the back, with a peppery quality giving the tannins a distinctly firm edge. Not surprisingly, though, an outstanding vintage for Ausone's second wine.