Chapelle d'Ausone 2004

Proprietor Vauthier’s second wine, the 2004 Chapelle d’Ausone (400 cases produced) is a beautiful effort. It may be the finest second wine currently being made in Bordeaux. It displays much of the same character as its bigger sibling, with sweeter tannins, a softer, more plush personality, and more accessibility. A liquid minerality intermixed with blue and black fruits as well as floral notes are all present. Drink this beauty over the next 15 or more years.

Probably a smarter buy if one is going to drink something made at Ausone in his or her own lifetime would be the second wine of this estate, the Chapelle d’Ausone. The 2004 is an open-knit, forward style of wine but I am sure it has 20 or more years of longevity. With plenty of tannin and concentration as well as beautiful blueberry and raspberry notes intermixed with floral and mineral characteristics, this is a serious wine to drink over the next 20+ years.