Château Chasse-Spleen 2023

Slightly herbaceous notes, red fruit, wet stone; a slender attack, with harmony and delicate fruit, firm tannins; a Chasse-Spleen with grip.

A resurgence in quality in recent years at this historical estate is confirmed in 2023, with pleasing forest strawberry and blue fruit coolness presaging a juicy palate, albeit with some unresolved (bordering on hard) tannins toward the finish. Nonetheless, the wine is nicely balanced between alcohol and acidity, with the type of tannin that barrel ageing (40% new oak barrels) will tame as planned. A lovely Moulis in the making.

The 2023 Chasse-Spleen is terrific. Aromatic, medium in body and nuanced, the 2023 packs quite a bit of intensity into its mid-weight frame. Floral and savory top notes cut through a core of brilliant red-toned fruit. Brisk acids that pull it all together on the finish. This is beautifully done.

Flowers, herbs, cedar, tobacco, and red berries shine in this medium-bodied, fresh, bright effort. The wine is crisp and chewy, with a chalky, firm finish. Drink from 2026-2043. 89-91 pts.

Dark ruby, purple reflections, brightening on the rim. Orange zest, dark berry fruit, floral nuances, some nougat, inviting bouquet. Medium body, red cherries, delicate tannins, fresh, offers uncomplicated drinking pleasure.

Ruby red, with a floral and savoury Cabernet Sauvignon character dominant on the attack, showing cassis bud, rose stem, on the edge of under-ripe, balanced by spiced herbs and bright autumnal fruit, with fennel, marzipan, raspberry leaf, and austere tannins on the finish. 40% new oak. 34 hl/ha