Château Chasse-Spleen - Moulis-en-Médoc 2020

Bettane & Desseauve

About wine:

The finest example of the vintage in recent history, a complete wine with complexity at every level. It should match the best Crus Classés and even surpass some of them.

About the estate:

The Chasse-Spleen vineyard remains legendary, perched on the Grand-Poujeaux plateau with its Garonne gravel, where Cabernet Sauvignon dominates, giving the wines a distinct Médoc character. It is undoubtedly one of the most renowned wines of Moulis, often considered to be classified given the quality of its wines. These wines have a distinctive character, both fruity and spicy, but always retaining a freshness of licorice on the finish.

Decanter

Guide Hachette des vins

About the estate:

First 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 chasing away dark thoughts"... But the reputation of this vast estate (102 hectares) is also, and above all, due to the long history of its wine-growing tradition (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 since 2000.

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the estate:

This vintage enjoys an excellent reputation, which is well deserved. Chasse-Spleen has a beautiful terroir, located largely on the magnificent gravel soils of the Grand Poujeaux sector. Its rich composition and aromatic power place it at the top of the appellation, with wines that are always elegant and easy to drink, avoiding the sometimes slightly rustic character found in the sector.

Wine Enthusiast

About wine:

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

Jancis Robinson

James Suckling

About wine:

Blackcurrant, black mushroom, and bark. Light notes of nutmeg. Medium-bodied with fine tannins, a velvety texture, and a flavorful, juicy finish. Well-balanced. Best after 2025.

Le Figaro vins

About wine:

An inviting, enticing, fragrant nose of red fruits. Naturally elegant and innocent on the palate, with a masculine edge. Ripe red fruits, a rich texture, and a smooth finish.

Tastingbook - Markus Del Monego

About wine:

Deep purple color with violet highlights and a black core. Expressive, elegant, and persistent nose, with aromas reminiscent of blackcurrant, blackberries, dark chocolate, and sweet spices, with subtle oak notes. The palate is well-structured and balanced with delicate fruit, subtle spices, and fine-grained tannins. A wine with freshness and aromatic depth, as well as a convincing length.