An impressive Chapelle that opens with a wave of opulence, rich and confident in its construction. Majors on tobacco, cigar box, liqourice, chocolate, creamy damson, black cherry puree, velvety tannins. Incredible to think that this character can be teased out of pure limestone soils, but their fingerprint, with a welcome edge of salty cracker, comes in on the finish. Takes the character of the vintage and leans right in to it. Highly accomplished. 3.5ph, 100% new oak. Conversion to organic farming since 2020, Philippe Baillarguet cellar master, Pauline Vauthier owner and winemaker.

Cassis, red plums, graphite, chalky minerality, violet notes, and a hint of espresso all emerge from the 2022 Chapelle D'Ausone, which is based on 60% Cabernet Franc, 33% Merlot, and the balance Cabernet Sauvignon. With a vivid purple hue, medium to full body, ripe, present tannins, and a great finish, it's one hell of a second wine that will probably have 20-25 years of longevity.

Red berries such as cherries and raspberries. Cassis. Full-bodied, very tight and focused on the palate with a linear acid and tannin backbone. Racy at the end. Contrasty. Plenty of energy. Just takes off. 65% cabernet franc and 35% merlot.

The 2022 Chapelle d'Ausone has turned out nicely, offering up aromas of sweet mulberries, blackberries and plums mingled with hints of violets, mint and creamy new oak. Medium to full-bodied, rich and textural, it's concentrated and generously extracted, with ripe acids and a saline, oak-inflected finish.

The 2022 Chapelle d’Ausone is a powerful but also embryonic wine. Here, too, the wine’s balance is impeccable. Super-ripe red cherry fruit, blood orange, spice, menthol and rose petal all meld together. Chapelle is a powerhouse second wine, if that term can even be used. The blend is 60% Cabernet Franc, 35% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.

The 2022 Chapelle d'Ausone has slightly less Cabernet Franc than the previous vintage (60%). Picked from 5 to 30 September and matured for a planned 20 months, it has a floral nose with underlying oyster shell scents from the astéries limestone. The palate is pure and medium-bodied with svelte, silky smooth tannins and fine acidity. Black cherries, soy and blueberry notes appear toward the finish, with a dash of white pepper on the aftertaste. Very fine.

60% Cabernet Franc, 35% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Cask sample. Deep, bright crimson hue. Fragrant and floral. More length than breadth but dense all the same. Drives from the word go and stays persistent. A real delight and should age. Perhaps a bit heady. (JL)