Château Chasse-Spleen 2019

Despite its youth, the distinctive polish of the tannins and the good balance of all components are already apparent. A safe bet, not least thanks to its fruity and floral aromatics.

Heady fragrance on the nose, flowers and dark ripe black fruits. Full and filling in the mouth, this is rich and concentrated with fleshy, plush ripe strawberries and red cherries and juicy acidity. It has a sense of calmness and control. Well worked, smooth, crisp and pure but with grip. Concentrated yet still juicy and lifted, with an appealing chalky undercurrent that lingers on the cheeks and tongue. I love the soft herbal accents, the subtle, warming toasted edges and the fresh mint finish. Lots going on. 2% Cabernet Franc completes the blend.

Aromas of cassis, black cherries, licorice, dried tobacco and wet earth. Some leafy character, too. Medium-bodied with chewy tannins and vibrant, juicy fruit character. Firm and compact with hints of crushed stones on the finish. A little timid at the end. 52% cabernet sauvignon, 40% merlot, 6% petit verdot and 2% cabernet franc. Drink after 2024.

The 2019 Chasse-Spleen is super-classy right out of the gate. Medium in body and articulate, the 2019 impresses with its persistence and impeccable overall balance. Dried leaves, tobacco, mint, herbs and bright red-fleshed fruit all come together, while attractive floral and spice notes extend the finish. What a beautiful wine this is.

Showing much better in the bottle after the aging process, the medium-bodied, soft, fresh wine is focused on its core of ripe, sweet currants, tobacco and spice. Not very weighty, but it makes up for that with its elegance and finesse. Drink from 2024-2037.

Deep ruby, purple glints, slightly lighter at the rim. Cassis and wild berries, dark cherries, delicate savory herbal nuances, mineral touch. Juicy, ripe sweetheart cherries, freshly structured, well-integrated tannins, mineral, and vibrant. A sophisticated supper companion.

Pretty red currants, mulberries, and cedary herb notes emerge from the 2019 Château Chasse-Spleen, a medium-bodied, elegant, lightly textured yet forward, charming Moulis to drink over the coming 7-8 years.

Kunz barrel sample 2020: (52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 13.5% vol. alcohol, production 330,000 bottles) Broad, light bouquet, red berries, apple must, smoke. Firm, slim palate with light fruit, sandy tannins, medium aromatics, bourgeois structure, light finish.

(52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 13.5% alc./vol., production 330,000 bottles) Broad, light bouquet, red berries, apple cider, smoke. Firm, slender palate with light fruit, sandy tannins, medium aromatics, bourgeois structure, light finish. 16/20 2024 - 2034

The 2019 Chasse-Spleen is medium to deep garnet-purple in color. It leaps with compelling scents of black raspberry, crushed blackcurrants, and lavender, followed by suggestions of cedar and cloves. The medium-bodied palate delivers vibrant black and red fruits with a firm, grainy texture and plenty of freshness, finishing spicy.

A shy rosemary-tinged nose, slightly edgy. The palate is softer, but only time and élevage will help better integrate the various elements into proper balance.

Dark, intense, and beautiful color. Very aromatic and subtle nose, offering a delicate note of blackberry jelly. It’s a real pity that the palate remains light, as there is something noble to be drawn from this cru. Medium length.