The 2019 Chapelle d’Ausone, which represents around one-third of the production, has a very expressive bouquet of well-defined red berry fruit, cedar and touches of graphite. Undergrowth and hints of sage emerge with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins and very well balanced, the Cabernet Franc (40%) again lending a real Left Bank identity toward the finish. Very fine.

A blend of wine from young vines with a few barriques of declassified Ausone (though anything that doesn't make the grade is sold off in bulk), the 2019 Chapelle d'Ausone exhibits attractive aromas of cherries, sweet berry fruit, violets, spices, rose petals and pencil shavings. Medium to full-bodied, velvety and seamless, it's elegant and refined, with a deep core of fruit and impeccable balance.