Château Chasse-Spleen - Moulis-en-Médoc 2025 (Primeurs)

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.

A breath of fresh air—whether on its own merits or simply by contrast with the two previous, more austere Listrac wines—this one shines brightly. The nose is alluring and floral, with notes of plum, blackberry, and blackcurrant that evoke ripeness and charm. The palate follows suit with supple, refined tannins, even if they tighten up into a slightly nervy finish—which is to be expected for this vintage. Nevertheless, it remains a remarkably solid performance and one of the most convincing from Château Chasse-Spleen in recent years. A wine that reminds you why this estate can be so captivating.

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 gloomy 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.

A very structured, medium-bodied red wine with lovely fruitiness and juicy tannins. Earthy, spicy, and terracotta notes enhance the fruitiness. A robust wine in many ways.

Hints of fresh wood give way to floral and chalky notes, along with a touch of black berries. Juicy on the palate, the wine reveals a lively and fresh profile. Its powerful, perfectly integrated tannins lend vigor and breadth, while the acidity enhances the wine’s freshness. A flavorful, elegant, and promising wine. It reminds me of the great Chasse-Spleen wines and has excellent aging potential. 2030–2050