Château Chasse-Spleen - Moulis-en-Médoc 2022

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

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

Decanter

Guide Hachette des vins

About the estate:

First acquired by Jacques Merlaut (1976), co-founder of the Taillan group, Chasse-Spleen owes its fame in part to its name, which is said to have been 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 unmatched in chasing away dark thoughts"... But the reputation of this vast estate (102 hectares) is also, and above all, due to the long history of its wine-growing tradition (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 since 2000.

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

About the estate:

This vintage enjoys an excellent reputation, which is well deserved. Chasse-Spleen has a beautiful terroir, located largely on the magnificent gravel soils of the Grand Poujeaux sector. Its rich composition and aromatic power place it at the top of the appellation, with wines that are always elegant and easy to drink, avoiding the sometimes slightly rustic character found in the sector.

Wine Enthusiast

Jancis Robinson

Vinous

About wine:

Chasse-Spleen 2022 presents a promising and fairly robust bouquet, with aromas of blackberry, blueberry, and marmalade. The attack on the palate is fresh, with prominent tannins. It seems a little more austere than in the barrel, with a more severe finish, but I appreciate its tension and generous length. Give it time to blossom. 2032-2070

James Suckling

About wine:

An excellent Chasse-Spleen that reveals beautiful, sweet spicy notes and creamy yet lively aromas of plum and blackcurrant. Beautiful precision, with mineral notes and red fruit on the palate. Lively and refined, with dense, chalky tannins and a long finish. Drink from 2027.

Terre de Vins

About wine:

A pleasant bouquet of red and black fruits unfolds on the nose, with a hint of chocolate. The palate is velvety and tender, with supple, rounded fruit and well-integrated tannins. This is a refreshing wine, a seductive 2022 that will be a pleasure to drink.

Yves Beck

About wine:

Chasse Spleen has a pleasant fruity bouquet with notes of wild berries, licorice, and cinnamon. This wine has good density and is delicious and harmonious, supported by perfectly integrated tannins that offer power and potential, while its structure ensures freshness and character. A compelling wine that once again highlights its quality ambitions. A great success. 2028-2048

Tastingbook - Markus Del Monego

About wine:

Dark purple color with violet highlights and a black core. Elegant nose, initially closed. It slowly opens up, revealing aromas of black fruits, sloe and elderberry, with subtle floral and licorice notes in the background. Well-structured on the palate, with ripe but firm tannins, juicy fruit, notes of oak and sweet spices. This is a fresh wine with very good length.