Moulis

A big rich offering full of blackcurrant, dark plum and intense berry spice. Quite forthright tannins are annexed by weighty fruit depths that open out for a big, quite serious finish. A compelling effort.
Peter Newton, Private Account Manager

50% Cabernet Sauvignon 40% Merlot 5% Cabernet Franc 5% Petit Verdot

This is classic Bordeaux from the reliable Château Chasse-Spleen. The almost forgotten 2001 vintage is one my favourites, sometimes managing to eclipse the sunnier 2000. Opulent and rich, this has an intense nose, displaying a sweet but precise texture. It is just beginning to show some lovely mature notes and doesn’t disappoint – many would think it is a wine of higher ranking tasted blind. Drink now to 2029.
Max Lalondrelle, Bordeaux Buyer (spring 2019)  

In vintages like 2010 Ch. Chasse-Spleen really comes into its own, notes of subtle black fruit and graphite on the nose lead on to a full, mouth-filling palate of black berry fruit, minerals and spice. As with many 2010s this wine is elegant and refined, yet has underlying power and definition. To be able to pull a couple of cases of this out of the cellar in 5-10 years’ time would be a real treat.
Chris Pollington - Private Account Manager

Chateau Chasse-Spleen Moulis is definitely a property on the move; the 2008-2010 are three amazing vintages. The 2010 has lovely juicy black cherries with a touch of strawberry jam on the nose. The wine has great power in the middle with intense crunchy fresh fruits, a very well balanced finish and well integrated tannins. Tip top!
Max Lalondrelle - Bordeaux Wine Buyer

According to Robert Parker, no less, this estate has over the last 30 years consistently produced wines of Third Growth quality. In 2005, winemaker Jean-Pierre Foubet has yet again displayed a sure touch in his handling of the fruit at Chasse-Spleen. A lovely plummy richness is backed by tannins which are very present and substantial but totally ripe, creating a very harmonious, balanced wine with an almost Margaux-like fragrance.

Ch. Chasse-Spleen is the leading Moulis estate, along with Ch. Poujeaux. Although it is classified only as a Cru Bourgeois, it regularly outperforms many of the Médoc's more renowned Classed Growths. There are two theories behind the château's rather unusual name: firstly, that, when Lord Byron visited the estate in 1821, he remarked, “Quel remède pour chasser le spleen.” Secondly, that it is named after Baudelaire's poem, Spleen.

Soft and approachable, this fruit-forward Claret has immediate appeal. Concentrated black cherry aromas dominate the nose alongside herbs and hints of sweet spice. The palate shows earthy, more savoury characters and is rounded with a pleasing mouth-feel. It’s all very well balanced.

This leaps out of the glass, with a perfumed, aromatic, generous nose. Think violets and blackcurrants. The tannins are ripe. Well-balanced, it finishes light and ethereal with a long, saline note.

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon 65%, Merlot 30%, Petit Verdot 5%

2011 is another great success for this inexpensive little pearl from Moulis. Not far off last year in terms of quality, it has a little more weight and punch, but delivers a very rewarding glass of top Claret at what we hope to be an excellent price.
(Simon Staples, Berrys’ Fine Wine Director)

Ch. Chasse Spleen is cool, reserved and classic Claret wine, with a terrific centre core of ripe Cabernet fruit. This has been on a winning streak now for quite a few years and the 2011 is a lovely addition.
Simon Staples, Berrys’ Fine Wine Director

This typically inexpensive wine from Moulis has lots of quality once again. Attractive juicy blackcurrant fruit dominates the nose before good acidity and structure take over on the palate. It is a very enjoyable glass of Claret for early drinking.

It’s been a while since we genuinely enjoyed tasting Chasse-Spleen en primeur but we are delighted to report that enjoy the 2009 we did. The nose is full of ripe red and black forest fruits but with a touch of earth adding complexity. The palate is polished and sophisticated with great concentration of fruit, very fine, powdery tannins and a toasty, savoury finish. We are delighted to recommend this wine in 2009!

When we drove to the Right Bank, the last thing we expected was to be blown away by Ch. Poujeaux - but this wine turned out to be the greatest (and most pleasant) surprise of the day. With the vibrant, deep inky colour of the vintage and dense, juicy blackcurrant fruit with a lovely earthy complexity, this wine just oozes with super-ripe tannins and harmonious oak. One to add to the Wish List.

"Having sold out of Ch. du Tertre in an hour this morning, we have a another cracker to offer and it is actually slightly cheaper than I thought it was going to be too! With a vibrant, deep inky colour and dense, juicy, blackcurrant fruit held together by a lovely earthy complexity, this wine just oozes pleasure. It is very rare we offer Ch. Poujeaux but none of either the buying or selling teams has tasted such a fabulous offering. One to add to the cellar."
Simon Staples, Berrys' Fine Wine Director

Last year this was one of our absolute favorites, not only as a brilliant wine in its own right, but it was also stunning value. Wait for it…..2010 is even better! A tad more concentrated, a smidge more blackberry fruit in the creamy blackberry compote centre, and an even sexier, longer finish. I’m not sure what the charismatic Nicola Thienpont of Pavie Macquin fame has done over the river in Moulis with this lovely wine but I’m ecstatic he has. A must buy!
(55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot)
Simon Staples, Fine Wine Director