L'Héritage de Chasse-Spleen - Haut-Médoc 2022

The Chasse-Spleen vineyard remains legendary, perched on the Grand-Poujeaux plateau with its Garonne gravel soils, where Cabernet Sauvignon dominates, giving the wines a distinct Médoc character. It is undoubtedly one of Moulis’s most renowned estates, one that one often imagines would be classified given the quality of its wines. These wines have a distinctive character, both fruity and spicy, yet always retaining a licorice-like freshness on the finish.

The first premier cru acquired by Jacques Merlaut (1976), co-founder of the Taillan Group, Chasse-Spleen owes its fame in part to its name, which—it is said—was suggested to the owner at the time by the Bordeaux painter Odilon Redon, illustrator of *Les Fleurs du mal*, or by Lord Byron, a connoisseur of the estate’s wine, “which is second to none at chasing away dark thoughts”... But the reputation of this vast estate (102 ha) also—and above all—stems from the long history of its winemaking tradition (dating back to 1865) and the quality of its wines, produced on a terroir of Garonne gravel. The estate also owns 21 hectares in the Haut-Médoc appellation. The wine was called Ermitage de Chasse Spleen until 2000, before being renamed L’Héritage de Chasse-Spleen. Céline Villars-Foubet, Jacques Merlaut’s granddaughter, has been at the helm of the entire estate since 2000.

This wine enjoys an excellent reputation—one that is well deserved, by the way. Chasse-Spleen boasts a beautiful terroir, located largely on the magnificent gravel soils of the Grand Poujeaux area. Its rich structure and powerful aromas place it at the forefront of the appellation, producing wines that are consistently elegant and easy to drink, while avoiding the sometimes slightly rustic character found in the region.

Although most of the Chasse-Spleen vineyard is located within the Moulis-en-Médoc appellation, this wine is made from grapes grown in the Haut-Médoc. It is still young and shows great potential. Its tobacco aromas and spicy notes reveal a beautiful richness, with hints of black fruit and a tannic structure that will soften with age. Best enjoyed starting in 2027.

A juicy Haut-Médoc with fine tannins, offering a full-bodied and generous palate. It features pronounced notes of black cherries and red currants, enhanced by an alluring hint of pepper. The wine has structured tannins with chalky undertones and a medium-length finish. Best enjoyed starting in 2026.