Chapelle d'Ausone 2019 is the Cabernet Franc-led second wine of Château Ausone, grown on the limestone slopes of Saint-Émilion in Bordeaux. Perfumed and fine-boned rather than heavy, this 2019 carries real depth of fruit inside a frame that stays light on its feet.

Violets and rose petal lift out of the glass first, a signature of the Cabernet Franc that dominates the blend, followed by dark cherry, blackberry and crushed raspberry. Underneath sits graphite, sweet spice and a chalky, stony edge, with a faint suggestion of orange peel as the wine opens.

The palate is medium to full-bodied and seamless, the tannins fine-grained and thoroughly polished rather than grippy. Acidity runs straight through the middle and keeps the ripe 2019 fruit taut, while the finish is long, savoury and mineral, ending dry and clean rather than sweet.

Pour it with rare roast beef, duck breast with cherries, roast pigeon or lamb rack with herbs. Mushroom risotto and hard, aged cheeses work just as well, and the wine rewards a good hour in a decanter before it hits the table.

Drinking well from 2026 and holding comfortably through to 2040, with the Cabernet Franc backbone and fresh acidity to carry it there.