Château Chasse-Spleen - Moulis-en-Médoc 2020

The finest example in the wine’s recent history—a full-bodied wine with complexity at every level. It should rival the best Crus Classés and even surpass some of them.

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.

Barrel sample. As always impressive, this latest vintage is at the peak of its artistry. The density of the dusty tannins and the richness of the dark fruit are delicately balanced, with the acidity preserving the wine’s freshness. This wine has a bright future ahead of it.

Blackcurrant, black mushrooms, and bark. Subtle notes of nutmeg. Medium-bodied with fine tannins, a smooth, velvety texture, and a savory, juicy finish. Well-balanced. Best enjoyed after 2025.

An inviting, enticing, and fragrant bouquet of red berries. Naturally elegant and innocent on the palate, with a bold character. Ripe red berries, a rich texture, and a smooth finish.

Deep purple color with violet highlights and a black core. An expressive, elegant, and persistent nose, with aromas reminiscent of blackcurrant, blackberries, dark chocolate, and sweet spices, along with subtle oak notes. The palate is well-structured and balanced, with refined fruit, subtle spices, and fine-grained tannins. A wine with freshness and aromatic depth, as well as a compelling finish.