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 soils, where Cabernet Sauvignon dominates, giving the wines a distinct Médoc character. It is undoubtedly one of Moulis’s most renowned wines, 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 estate 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 dispelling dark thoughts”... But the fame of this vast estate (102 ha) also, and above all, stems from the long history of its winemaking tradition (1865) and the quality of its wines, born from 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. 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. 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 somewhat rustic character found in the region.

Wine Enthusiast

Jancis Robinson

Vinous

About the wine:

Chasse-Spleen 2022 offers a promising, well-structured bouquet with aromas of blackberry, blueberry, and marmalade. The attack is fresh, with pronounced tannins. It seems a bit more austere than when it was in the barrel, with a more severe finish, but I appreciate its tension and generous length. Give it time to open up. 2032–2070

James Suckling

About the wine:

An excellent Chasse-Spleen that reveals lovely, delicate spicy notes and creamy yet lively aromas of plum and blackcurrant. Beautifully precise, with mineral notes and red fruit on the palate. Lively and refined, with dense, chalky tannins and a long finish. Ready to drink from 2027.

Terre de Vins

About the wine:

A delightful bouquet of red and black berries unfolds on the nose, accompanied by a subtle hint of chocolate. On the palate, it is velvety and smooth, with a supple, round texture and well-integrated tannins. This refreshing wine is a seductive 2022 vintage that will be a pleasure to drink.

Yves Beck

About the wine:

Chasse Spleen offers a pleasant, fruity bouquet with notes of wild berries, licorice, and cinnamon. With good body, the wine is delicious, harmonious, and supported by perfectly integrated tannins that offer power and potential, while its structure ensures freshness and character. A compelling wine that once again underscores its commitment to quality. A fine achievement. 2028–2048

Tastingbook - Markus Del Monego

About the wine:

Deep purple color with violet highlights and a black core. An elegant nose, initially closed. It opens slowly, revealing aromas of black fruits, blackthorn, and elderberry, with subtle floral and licorice notes in the background. On the palate, it is well-structured, with ripe yet firm tannins, juicy fruit, and notes of oak and sweet spices. It is a fresh wine with excellent length.