Château Chasse-Spleen - Moulis-en-Médoc 2020

Bettane & Desseauve

About the wine:

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.

About the domain :

The Chasse-Spleen vineyard remains a myth, perched on the Grand-Poujeaux plateau and its Garonne gravel, where Cabernet-Sauvignon dominates, giving the wines a definite Medoc twist. This is undoubtedly one of Moulis' most famous crus, and given the quality of its wines, it is often imagined to be classified. They have a typical character, both fruity and spicy, but always with a fresh, licorice finish.

Decanter

Guide Hachette des vins

About the domain :

The first growth acquired by Jacques Merlaut (1976), co-founder of the Taillan group, Chasse-Spleen owes its fame in part to its name, suggested to the owner at the time by Bordeaux painter Odilon Redon, illustrator of Les Fleurs du mal, or by Lord Byron, a lover of the estate's wine, "which has no equal for chasing away dark thoughts".... But the reputation of this vast estate (102 ha) is also, and above all, due to the age of its winegrowing vocation (1865) and the quality of its wines, born on a terroir of Garonne gravel. The cru also has 21 ha in the Haut-Médoc appellation. The wine was called Ermitage de Chasse Spleen until 2000, when it was renamed L'Héritage de Chasse-Spleen. At the helm 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 domain :

This cru enjoys an excellent, well-deserved reputation. Chasse-Spleen has a very fine terroir, located for the most part on the magnificent gravelly soils of the Grand Poujeaux sector. Its richness of constitution and aromatic power place it at the top of the appellation, with wines that are always elegant, digestible and avoid the sometimes somewhat rustic character found in the area.

Wine Enthusiast

About the wine:

Barrel sample. Always impressive, this latest vintage is at the top of its game. The density of the dusty tannins and the richness of the black fruit are finely balanced, with the acidity maintaining its freshness. This wine has a bright future ahead of it.

Jancis Robinson

James Suckling

About the wine:

Blackcurrant, black mushroom and bark. Slight nutmeg notes. Medium-bodied with fine tannins, a fine velvety texture and a tasty, juicy finish. Well-balanced. Drink after 2025.

Le Figaro vins

About the wine:

An inviting, tempting, fragrant nose of red fruit. Innocent, natural elegance on the palate, with a virile edge. Ripe red fruits, a gourmet texture and a smooth finish.

Tastingbook - Markus Del Monego

About the wine:

Dark purple color with violet highlights and black core. Expressive, elegant and persistent nose with aromas reminiscent of blackcurrant, blackberry, dark chocolate and sweet spices, subtle oak. Well-structured and balanced on the palate, with fine fruit, discreet spices and fine-grained tannins. A wine with freshness, aromatic depth and convincing length.