Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

70% Merlot & 30% Cabernet Franc. Decanted 2 hours and enjoyed over the next 2 plus hours. Cork near new.

I have waited patiently nearly 20 yrs to enjoy this 2005. While it is delicious tonight, it still has not hit its precipice. Might be another 8-10 yrs for that.

This is the second wine of Chateau Ausone. If you are not familiar with this producer, if they redid the 1855 Classification, their first wine would most certainly be a first growth and at the very least a second growth.

I remember reading the first/original review of the 2005 Ausone from Robert Parker. It read, “if you are over the age of 55, you have to decide whether or not to buy this wine.” It went on to a glorious 💯 point review. However, that original review was taken down some months into it. Was it taken down at the behest of Chateau Ausone? The review was reworded to take out the over 55 age & anticipated drinking window of 2040-2080. Most of Chateau Ausone buyers are older, higher income. Would that drinking window prevent them from purchasing it as Chateau Ausone is not an inexpensive bottle price? Not for the younger incomes. Question for the ages but it inspired me to buy three bottles of their 05 Chapelle d’ Ausone.

About a yr ago, I had their 02 Chapelle d’ Ausone. Strangely, that night it showed better than this 05 tonight. The 02 vintage was not a lauded vintage. Yet on that night, the perfect time to open it. This 05 needs more cellaring time and will ultimately be a better wine in another 7-10 yrs.

The nose shows; beautiful, ripe, somewhat floral fruits that are; dark cherries, strawberries, cherries, blackberries, black raspberries, black plum, sweet blueberries and raspberry notes. Mid berry cola. steeped fruit tea, gently baking spices-cinnamon, clove, nutmeg & beautiful vanillin, soft pepper, mix of dry & fresh herbs, tobacco, leather, graphite, volcanic ash, moist clays, limestone, amazing dark & red florals set is violets.

Medium plus resolved, powdery tannins. The palate glides with freshness and ripe, floral, juicy fruits that are; dark cherries, strawberries, cherries, blackberries, black raspberries, black plum, sweet blueberries and raspberry notes. There is no bite or a stringency, Mid berry cola, steeped fruit tea, gentle baking spices-cinnamon, clove, nutmeg & beautiful vanillin, soft pepper, mix of dry & fresh herbs, excellent mid, dark spices w/ some palate heat, anise, dark chocolate baking bar, coco powder, tobacco, leather, graphite,, limestone/sandstone, dry crushed rocks, grey volcanic ash, rich, sweet forest floor w/ dry leaves, moist clays, limestone, soft cedar to sandalwood, amazing dark & red florals set is liquid violets, amazing rainfall acidity, still has firm structure/tension, well balanced, great length and a finish that is w/o end and long sets on dark, dry tannins, heated, dark spice florals, earth and tarriness.

Add two points in 7-10 yrs. I look forward to my next bottle then.

Photos of; Chateau Ausone and owner-Alain Vauthier. That short rootstock featured center is around 25+ yrs old. — a month ago

Andrew McIntyre

9.3

Great second wine here. Yes probably too young but with 2 hours in the decanter this was singing. In another couple of years 94. Super wine — 3 months ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.5

This is the best red so far. Imagine perfectly ripe berries mixed with most amazing red floral bouquet, round, perfectly ripe berries acidity, elegance, balance, length and lands on gentle, moist herbs & a touch of tree sap. — 23 days ago

JKT

9.0

Holding up very nicely since last time in 2021. Last one I think — 2 months ago

Marta Jackowska

9.6

New Years Eve dinner - which red wine to drink?! 🤔
Finally settled on an old favorite - Paul Jaboulet Hermitage.
Did not disappoint - smooth, concentrated fruits, with a hint of earthy, charcoal, tobacco.
Nice way to end our wine drinking for 2025, here’s to more great wines in 2026! 🥂 — 3 months ago

with Neville

Freddy R. Troya

9.3

Château Haut-Bages Libéral – Red blend – 2022
Pauillac AOC – Bordeaux, France 🇫🇷

Overview
Left Bank classicism meets modern precision. A Cabernet-dominant blend at 87% and 13% Merlot that showcases Pauillac’s hallmark structure wrapped in surprising elegance. Certified organic and biodynamic, made by Claire Villars-Lurton, one of the leading women in Bordeaux.

Aromas & Flavors
Blackcurrant, graphite, cedar, plum skin, and violets with subtle tobacco leaf, pencil shavings, and cocoa. Young, fresh, and layered.

Mouthfeel
Medium-plus to full-bodied with refined tannins, balanced acidity, and a polished, seamless texture. Harmonious and structured with a delicious, lingering finish.

Food Pairings
Roast lamb, ribeye, duck breast, mushroom ragù, or aged Comté.

Verdict
A beautifully balanced, terroir-driven Pauillac that delivers finesse without sacrificing power. Delicious now, but built to evolve gracefully.

Did You Know?
Château Haut-Bages Libéral is a Fifth Growth from the 1855 Classification, situated next on to Château Latour. The “Libéral” family were 18th-century négociants who selected some of Pauillac’s best parcels, many still form the estate today. — 3 months ago

David Valenti

9.0

Smokey and fruity. Thick and rich, rather concentrated for a Gamay. — 2 months ago

Dave

8.9

Apparently I've had this one other time, but I don't remember the poop smell. Maybe it's not the wine! 😳
Opened this last night and the merde was strong. Tonight, the nose is very pleasant on this cheapo Bordeaux. Tastes like dark berries, herbs, a little mint and sage. It's good considering the price!
Listening to Squirrel Nut Zippers — 2 months ago

Vitaly Domnenko

9.2

Bm+. Tm. Am. Fm. 7years. — 3 months ago

Lee Pitofsky

9.4

Drinking beautifully! There’s a cool pine resin note that was very intriguing. Paired with Miyazaki Wagyu. — 5 months ago