L'Oratoire de Chasse-Spleen Moulis 2019 - Second vin

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

The Chasse-Spleen vineyard remains a legend, 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.

Decanter

Guide Hachette des vins

About the estate:

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 for chasing away dark thoughts”... But the fame 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 ha within the Haut-Médoc appellation. The wine was called Ermitage de Chasse Spleen until 2000, before being renamed L’Héritage de Chasse-Spleen. At the helm of the entire estate since 2000 is Céline Villars-Foubet, granddaughter of Jacques Merlaut.

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the estate:

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.

Wine Enthusiast

Jancis Robinson

James Suckling