2011 Chapelle d'Ausone

2011 La Chapelle d'Ausone, Saint-Emilion, France 14.0% alc./vol.Grape Variety 55% Cabernet Franc, 45% MerlotAppellation Saint EmilionChâteau Ausone is the smallest of Bordeaux's 'big eight' (first growths), and its location is as spectacular as its wines; perched on the limestone hillsides that harbour the walledtown of Saint-Émilion. Production at Ausone is tiny. Ausone has been under the inspirational Alain Vauthier since 1995, who has spared noexpense in establishing benchmark Saint-Émilion that often ages for 50-100 years. A newcellar (retaining old oak vats) and renovation of the château has breathed new life intoAusone.Although the château was built in the 19th century, the site shows evidence of the roman activity, which gives the wine its name, commemorating the 4th Century poet Ausonius. Ausone's recent history begins in 1718 with the Cantenat family, who passed it on to Mlle Challon, whose husband, Edouard Dubois, is credited with Ausone's rise in the 20th century.Dubois-Chal