Château Chasse-Spleen 2017

A fresh wine from Moulis with great potential for age

Château Chasse-Spleen is a famous reference in Bordeaux, one whose history is closely linked to that of Grand Poujeaux. In 1820, the original estate was split in two to form Grand Poujeaux Gressier and Grand Poujeaux Castaing, which later became Chasse-Spleen. The latter name might have come from Odilon Redon, a symbolist painter who illustrated the Flowers of Evil by Charles Baudelaire. Another theory is that it came from Lord Byron, who said that "this wine has no equal with which to chase dark ideas." This historic Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnal saw its production drop in 2017 because of the already very well-known April frost. However, the rest of the year was quite mild and the resulting fruit of high quality.

Blending 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc, the Château Chasse-Spleen 2017 has an intense, deep garnet colour. The nose is clearly dominated by fresh fruit and the wine’s maturation in barrel is noted through the spicy, toasty notes that will become even more present as the wine ages. On the palate the wine offers freshness and a tight structure enhanced by the soft tannins of Cabernet, which was clearly very successful in this vintage. The Château Chasse-Spleen 2017 has a fantastic length and its potential for cellaring will allow it to evolve beautifully until 2040-2045.