Opened earlier in the day and double decanted a few hours prior to service. The 2011 Chapelle d’Ausone pours an opaque ruby/purple color; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing with powerful notes of black currants, purple flowers, tobacco, earth, and baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+. This was back when Merlot constituted more of the blend at nearly 50/50 with Cabernet Franc (although there seems to be a kinds of ideas about the exact breakdown). These days, it’s nearly 75% Cabernet Franc, a trend that’s been gaining popularity throughout Saint-Emilion. If this is Ausone’s second wine, I would imagine the Grand Vin is pretty sensational…and likely long lived. This seemed youthful. No doubt, the more green nature of the 2011 vintage is playing a role in that but there’s also undeniable quality. Drink now with patience and through 2036 with ease. — 2 months ago
Dry, crisp - perfect for summertime - especially on the beach in Cape May — 2 months ago
Very nice color and acidity - with pebbles, crisp apple and lemon water on the palette. Great starter for a meal. — a month ago
Chapelle de Meyney ("the Chapel of Meyney"), second wine of Chateau Meyney, one of the oldest estates in the Medoc. Deep Ruby red color, purple hues, with aromas of black fruits, herb, tobacco and earthy notes. On the palate flavors of plums and black currants with cacao and tobacco spice, on a well balanced frame. Fine tight tannins, long finish ending with fruit, earthy spice and cedar character. Starting to drink well now. — 2 months ago
Dark rubi robe, nose of dark cherries, plum, top soil and asian spices. Dense and mineral in the mouth, medium bodied, very reserved and only showing its game after a couple of hours. This is a very classy grand cru that is accessible now after decanting but has lots of potential. Top stuff. — a month ago
Primarily Grenache Provencal Rose’ blend. Light salmon color. Bright aromas and flavors of strawberry, peach, flowers and watermelon. Nice touch of minerality and citrus on the finish. Bright acidity, nice richness and a delicate (almost creamy) texture. So refreshing and easy to drink. Thanks for the bottle, Kase! — a month ago
Apropos, the vines for “La Chapelle” are adjacent to the chapel perched at the very top of the Mont Brouilly where it is quite dry and the soil is very poor. The vineyard is also remarkably steep making manual harvest essential.
Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of three days. Fairly consistent throughout but I felt it was most enjoyable on Day 2 and 3. The 2022 “La Chapelle” pours a deep ruby/purple color; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is youthful and fresh with beautiful notes of tart blackberries, red plum, wet stone, a combination of red and purple flowers, licorice, dried green herbs, some wood varnish. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannins and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+ and has a stiff spine of minerals. This is a cerebral wine compared to “Godefroy” (which is almost quaffable in comparison). Drinking well now to enjoy its freshness but will undoubtedly drink well through 2037+. Thanks for the assist @Lyle Fass — 2 months ago
Conrad Green
From mag. A soulful, slightly tangy savory wine. Red fruit, medium bodied with a heft of acidity. Pretty and complex — a month ago