There are approximately 500 cases of the second wine, the 2005 La Chapelle d’Ausone, which makes a mockery of many grand vins produced at this estate in the fifties, sixties, and seventies. Made in the style of its bigger sibling, it possesses a deep ruby/purple color as well as a sweet nose of crushed rocks, figs, blackberries, raspberries, smoke, and earth. Softer and more approachable, I would not be surprised if it were preferred over its more powerful, backward sibling in a blind tasting. It is a pure, sweet, undeniably great effort in this vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2030.

Delivers very pretty aromas of toasty oak, coffee, licorice and blackberry. Full-bodied, with loads of ripe fruit and vanilla and coconut character. Rich, fruit-forward and very, very chewy. A fabulous second wine from Ausone. Best after 2012. 540 cases made. -JS