At a glance

Producer

Château Chasse-Spleen

Region

Moulis-en-Médoc, Bordeaux, France

Grape variety

Cabernet Sauvignon dominant blend (typically Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$40-$60 USD/bottle retail

Tasting profile

Blackcurrant, black cherry, hints of graphite, cedar, and subtle tobacco. Oak is integrated but present. Youthful fruit, some floral (violet) notes, touch of spice and earthy minerality.

Evolution: Over time, primary fruit will evolve to dried black fruits, cedar, tobacco leaf, truffle, forest floor, and leather; tannins become rounder, mouthfeel silkier.

At peak: Lovely complexity with tertiary notes, soft tannins, pronounced savory and umami characters, long persistent finish at maturity.

Structure

Acidity

Fresh, medium-plus acidity supporting aging.

Tannins

Firm, moderately high; grippy but refined and integrating.

Alcohol

13-13.5% ABV

Aging potential

15-25 years from vintage in strong vintages; 2017 is classic, slightly less grand than 2015/2016 but still very age-worthy.

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2027 to 2042

Optimal window

2024 to 2045

Current status

Evolving, entering early drinking window but with long cellaring potential.

Current condition

Structured and youthful; primary and secondary notes are developing, can be enjoyed now with decanting, but will improve markedly with several more years of cellaring.

As a top-level cru bourgeois (often considered 'super second'), Chasse-Spleen from good/solid vintages can age 20-25 years or more; 2017, while overshadowed by neighboring years, is classic and balanced with moderate but not blockbuster structure. Drinking window is conservative for Bordeaux of this pedigree and style.

Food pairing

Grilled or roast lamb, ribeye steak, duck breast, venison, hard cheeses (Comté, aged Gouda), wild mushroom risotto, lentil stew.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — Decant to open up aromatics, soften youthful tannins, and integrate any oak or slight reduction.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

Château Chasse-Spleen practices integrated pest management (lutte raisonnée) and sustainable viticulture but is not certified organic or biodynamic. Grass cover between rows for biodiversity, limited use of chemical inputs, selective hand-harvesting; recent investments in energy-efficient cellaring equipment.

While not fully organic or biodynamic, Chasse-Spleen is a leader in sustainable Bordeaux practices, certified HVE3 (highest level of France's environmental value certification), focusing on biodiversity, soil health, and reduced chemical use. Their carbon footprint is typical for a prestigious Left Bank château—local European consumption more sustainable. Limited progress in sustainable packaging or renewable energy, but environmental practices are advanced compared to many Bordeaux estates.