There are only 6000 bottles (representing 25% of the total production) of Ausone’s delicious second wine, the 2006 La Chapelle d’Ausone. Its dense ruby/purple hue is followed by an extraordinary bouquet of spring flowers, crushed rocks, creme de cassis, and hints of boysenberries as well as blueberries. With medium to full body, and stunning concentration, purity, and texture, it should drink well in 3-5 years, and last for two decades. As I wrote last year, today Ausone’s second wine is dramatically better than most first wines made in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s under the previous administration.

Floral, blackberry and cherry aromas lead to a full body, with a solid core of fruit and a silky finish. Very tight, but clean and balanced. Best after 2012. -JS

The second wine of Chateau Ausone is an impressive younger brother. It has the same density and suavity, but the fruits are fresher, lighter. Those fruits go right through the firm tannins, leaving spice and delicious, juicy flavors. It is a complete wine, showing all the exuberant freshness of 2006.——R.V.(3/1/2009)—— 92