Château Chasse-Spleen 2020

The 2020 Chasse-Spleen exhibits aromas of cassis, plums, pencil shavings and dark chocolate, followed by a medium- to full-bodied palate that’s firmer and more austere than its 2019 counterpart, with powdery tannins asserting themselves on the dry finish.

One of six Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnels in the original 1932 classification, this is one of the largest estates in the appellation. This is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (49%), Merlot (42%), Petit Verdot (6.5%) and Cabernet Franc (2.5%). Herbal, fragrant, ripe black fruit on the nose. Plush, juicy and austere, the combination of chewy fruit, lean acidity and chalky minerality give a wide expression and long finish. I love the cool blue fruit touches, the eucalyptus, liquorice, tobacco and clove freshness and the chalky texture. Elegant, fresh, nuanced and persistent. A great showing for Chasse in 2020. Fun and fruity, this has personality and character, the oak is well integrated and the tannins nicely supportive. Well structured, all in place and delicious now even so young.

Blackcurrants, black mushroom and bark. Light nutmeg undertones. Medium-bodied with fine tannins and a fine, velvety texture, with a savory and juicy finish. Balanced. 49% cabernet sauvignon, 42% merlot, 4.5% petit verdot and 2.5% cabernet franc. Drink after 2025.

The 2020 Chasse-Spleen is packed with dark fruit, chocolate, dried herbs, spice, leather and tobacco. Pliant and racy, with terrific depth and fine balance, Chasse-Spleen has much to offer in an immediate, juicy style that is quite appealing. This is nicely done.

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.

Deepest dark ruby, purple reflections. Tobacco-scented, spicy nuances of cassis, blackberries and fine oak. Medium body, black berries, distinct acidity, somewhat rough tannins, lemony aftertaste, tannic finish.

Pure fruitiness, laid-back oak, fresh dark berry fruit, well built with ripe yet rich tannins, fresh and classically structured with fine length.

The 2020 Château Chasse-Spleen shows the appellation as well as the vintage nicely. Ripe cherries, leafy herbs, cedarwood, and some earthy notes all define the aromatics, and it's medium-bodied, with a round, soft mouthfeel and a good finish. It's perfect for enjoying any time over the coming decade.

Kunz barrel sample 2021: Herbs, a light, muted bouquet, red cherries, old wood. A bourgeois, slender palate with sandy tannins, little fruit, light aromatics, and a dry finish.

Herbal, light, muted bouquet, red cherries, old wood. Bourgeois, slender palate with sandy tannins, little fruit, light aromatics, dry finish. 15/20 2023 - 2032

A ton of pencil shavings and graphite, fairly subdued and serious for Chasse Spleen, well-handled oak, classical, enjoyable.

92-93

Even though the oak is present through toasted notes, small black fruits dominate with their fresh, tangy aromas. On the palate, the tannins are still angular, but the substance, full of power and intensity, should quickly take the lead. Thanks to a fresh, delicate framework, one senses real potential for this vintage.

Yes, the Spleen has been chased away, so we can focus on the wine’s elegance and inviting character! We chose to prioritize finesse, and that is very fitting! The tannins, perfectly integrated, guarantee the future—promising outlooks! An elegant wine with convincing aging potential!

Usually reserved, I tasted it twice this year with more density than ever. Dark, intense color. A highly aromatic, fruity nose, with real depth. A pleasant, flavorful palate where the quality of the aroma plays a major role. Fragrant finish with no tannic edges.

The nose is charming, with hints of chocolate and blackberry. Typical of good vintages, the wine is driven by a broad, chalky tannic structure that currently slightly veils the aromas of blackcurrant jelly and morello cherry—so this is a wine to wait for. Freshness and a finish marked by a note of licorice.

93–95. Barrel Sample. Always an impressive estate, this latest vintage is at the top of its game. The density of the dusty tannins and the richness of the black fruits are finely balanced, poised with acidity keeping things fresh. The wine has a great future.