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Château Chasse-Spleen

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Château Chasse-Spleen
Located at the highest point of the Grand-Poujeaux hillside, on magnificent gravel soils, Chasse Spleen benefits from an exceptional terroir. Halfway between Margaux and Saint-Julien, the 80-hectare vineyard is made up of four parcels of quaternary gravel, with an average age of 30 years. Today, this historic estate has become one of the jewels of the Médoc in appellation Moulis under the impetus of owner Madame Castaing. 

It is said that it was Lord Byron, a great lover of wine, who declared in the 1820s that "This wine has no equal for chasing away dark thoughts! It's only a short step from that to chasing away spleen! Located in the heart of the Médoc, in the Moulis appellation, Château Chasse Spleen reigns over nearly 90 hectares of vines, 73% of which are Cabernet-Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 7% Petit Verdot. Classified as a Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel, Château Chasse Spleen produces full-bodied, rich and powerful wines. Notes of cocoa and wood blend perfectly with aromas of red fruit and blackcurrant, supported by elegant tannins. The estate also produces two second wines: L'Oratoire de Chasse Spleen and L'Héritage de Chasse Spleen.

Chasse Spleen wines are made from Médoc vines. They are Bordeaux reds (with the Moulis appellation d'origine contrôlée) or whites. These wines are produced using integrated and organic farming methods. Many Chateau Chasse Spleen cuvées have received top marks from leading oenological institutions such as Vinous, Robert Parker, the Guide Revue des Vins de France and James Suckling. 

Chasse Spleen was first classified in 1932 since, for the record, Mme Castaing (heiress to half the original estate) named her estate Château Chasse Spleen in 1863. 8 years too late to participate in the 1855 classification. Since 1976, the estate has belonged to the Merlaut family, and is now run by the third generation. 

Terroir and grape varieties

The vineyard is located on the slopes of the Grand-Poujeaux area. Here, Chasse Spleen wines benefit from a mixed terroir, with soils composed of clay, limestone and Garonne gravel, typical of the region. The proximity of the Garonne River is a real asset, providing a good water supply. They will enable the grape varieties necessary for blending these wines to flourish. These include Petit Verdot and Sémillon for the white wine, as well as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. 

In addition to Château Chasse Spleen, the estate produces two other wines, Héritage de Chasse Spleen and Oratoire de Chasse Spleen. 

Time for tasting

Chasse Spleen wines have a dense red color for the reds and a pale yellow color for the whites. Chasse Spleen wines are highly perfumed on the nose. The reds have strong aromas of red fruit, curry and toast. The whites, on the other hand, have more vegetal scents, such as peach and boxwood. On the palate, Chasse Spleen red has fresh, characterful aromas: a marriage of fruit and spice. Its white counterpart, on the other hand, has notes of verbena and orange blossom.

Wine and food pairing

Chasse Spleen wines are just the thing for celebrations and Sunday lunches. They go well with many dishes. Chasse Spleen white wine is no exception to the rule of traditional gastronomy, being served with fish and other seafood. It's the perfect accompaniment to a platter of oysters or grilled shad. It will also work wonders with cheese, especially if served with brocciu, a Corsican cheese. 

Chasse Spleen red goes well with pork or poultry dishes, such as old-fashioned turkey fillets. It can also be paired with rabbit gibelotte or leek quiche.

More information on the Chasse-Spleen

Wine estates recommended by

Bettane & Desseauve
Decanter
Guide Hachette des vins
RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France
Wine Enthusiast
Jancis Robinson
James Suckling

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Our latest sales of wines Château Chasse-Spleen

Château Chasse-Spleen - Moulis-en-Médoc 2020

Wine rated 4.2/5Wine rated 4.2/5Wine rated 4.2/5Wine rated 4.2/5Wine rated 4.2/5

4.2/5 (20 reviews)

94/100 James Suckling

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94/100 Wine Enthusiast

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94/100 RVF

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93/100 Le Figaro

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93/100 Tastingbook - Markus Del Monego

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92-93/100 Bettane & Desseauve

balanced
inviting
best seller

"Always impressive, this vintage is at the top of its game!"

"The best sample in the cru's recent history, a complete wine, with complexity at every level. It should equal the good Crus Classés and even surpass some of them." (Bettane & Desseauve) - Delivery in wooden cases possible for orders of 12 bottles of this wine (depending on country and shipping method selected).

L'Héritage de Chasse-Spleen - Haut-Médoc 2020

92/100 James Suckling

complex
charmer
red meat
quality-price

"A lovely wine with character!"

"Aromas of blackberry, undergrowth, black truffle and mushroom lead to a full-bodied palate with round, creamy tannins and a juicy finish. Plenty of complexity for a second wine. (James Suckling 2023) - Great value from Château Chasse-Spleen!

Blanc de Chasse-Spleen Bordeaux 2019

sémillon
powerful
citrus
aromatic

In the 1990s, the Villars family planted 2 hectares of white vines, and in 1995, after years of experimentation, Château Chasse-Spleen marketed its first white Bordeaux. Today, this Médoc white is on a par with the great wines of the Left Bank. With notes of grapefruit and lychee on a floral backdrop, this wine stands out for its aromatic power and is sure to delight lovers of white Bordeaux. - Delivery in wooden cases for orders of 12 bottles of this wine (excluding Point Relais delivery).

L'Oratoire de Chasse-Spleen Moulis 2019 - Second vin

Wine rated 4.3/5Wine rated 4.3/5Wine rated 4.3/5Wine rated 4.3/5Wine rated 4.3/5

4.3/5 (6 reviews)

red berries
cheeses
second wine
quality-price

The second wine of Château Chasse-Spleen, L'Oratoire is made from the most difficult plots in the vineyard, those that require the most care and attention. They may change according to the vintage. Like all second wines, it's good value for money and a gateway to Château Chasse-Spleen itself.