Château Chasse-Spleen - Moulis-en-Médoc 2019

Bettane & Desseauve

About the wine:

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.

About the estate:

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.

Decanter

Guide Hachette des vins

About the wine:

True to its tradition, Chasse-Spleen offers a wine well-suited for aging, with an expressive bouquet of ripe fruit supported by well-integrated oak, a beautiful, dense, and balanced tannic structure, freshness, and a long finish.

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 lover of the estate’s wine, “which is unrivaled in dispelling 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 ha within 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.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

With aromas of blackcurrant, plum, pencil lead, and licorice, the 2019 Chasse-Spleen is medium-bodied to full-bodied, featuring a rich core of fruit, lively acidity, and ripe, powdery tannins that come to the fore on the finish with a very refined grip typical of Moulis. Set it aside for a decade and keep an eye on it for the next two.

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, avoiding the sometimes slightly rustic character found in the region.

Wine Enthusiast

Jancis Robinson

Vinous

About the wine:

The 2019 Chasse-Spleen is tight on the nose, even though I left my sample open for 3 or 4 hours. But I appreciate its fruity profile: aromas of blackberry, wild strawberry, cedar, and light tobacco unfold almost reluctantly. The palate seems promising, classic in style, unrestrained but reluctant to reveal itself at this early stage. Fresh from the first sip, the acidity is well-balanced, and it has a lovely grainy texture. It reveals hints of graphite that linger in the finish. Excellent.

James Suckling

About the wine:

Aromas of blackcurrant, black cherry, licorice, dried tobacco, and damp earth. A leafy character as well. Medium-bodied with chewy tannins and a lively, juicy fruitiness. Firm and compact, with notes of crushed stone on the finish. Slightly reserved at the end. 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc. Best enjoyed after 2024.

The Wine Cellar Insider - Jeff Leve

About the wine:

This medium-bodied, delicate, and fresh wine, which improves significantly with bottle aging, showcases its core flavors of ripe, sweet red currants, tobacco, and spices. It isn’t overly full-bodied, but it more than makes up for it with its elegance and finesse. Best enjoyed between 2024 and 2037.