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 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 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.

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:

Chasse-Spleen 2022 offers a promising and fairly full-bodied bouquet, with aromas of blackberry, blueberry, and marmalade. The attack on the palate 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. Beautiful precision, with mineral notes and red fruit on the palate. Lively and refined, with dense, chalky tannins and a long finish. Ready to drink starting in 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’s velvety and tender, with a supple, round texture framed by well-integrated tannins. The wine is refreshing; this 2022 is all about charm and will be a pleasure to drink.

Yves Beck

About the wine:

Chasse Spleen’s bouquet offers a pleasant, fruity character 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.