Chateau Chasse Spleen, Moulis en Medoc 2020

"Red and black cherries, spice box and dried flowers shoot from the perfume. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, fresh and lively, with a brisk, spicy red berry, tea and olive finish. Drink from 2025-2040.

The wine cellar insider 90 pts."

Chateau Chasse Spleen was once part of a much larger Haut Medoc estate that sold its wine under the name of Chateau Grand-Poujeaux. In 1822, half the property became Chateau Gressier-Grand-Poujeaux and the other half of the estate eventually became the foundation for what would become 3 different Bordeaux estates; Chateau Maucaillou, Chateau Poujeaux-Theil, and Chateau Chasse-Spleen.

The modern era of Chateau Chasse Spleen starts in 1976 when the estate was bought by the Merlaut family. At the time of the purchase, Chasse Spleen owned about 40 hectares of vines. Under the direction of Jacques Merlaut and his daughter, Bernadette Villars, they expanded their vineyard holdings most recently with the purchase of the neighboring, Moulis vineyard of Chateau Brillette, adding 35-hectares of vines.

The Merlaut family owns several other vineyards including; Chateau Gruaud Larose, Chateau Ferriere, Chateau Citran, and Chateau Haut Bages Liberal. They are also very, successful negociants. Today the estate is ably managed by Bernadette's daughter, Claire Villars.

The large 135-hectare, Left Bank vineyard of Chateau Chasse Spleen is planted to 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and 4% Cabernet Franc. 

The vines are on average 30 years of age. The terroir is gravel, with clay and chalk soil. Chasse-Spleen is vinified in a combination of stainless steel tanks and wooden vats. Malolactic fermentation takes place in vat. The wine of Chasse-Spleen is aged in 40% new, French oak barrels for between 12 and 15 months before bottling.