Chateau Chasse Spleen, l'Heritage de Chasse Spleen, 2020

ABOUT THE WINE. L’Héritage de Chasse-Spleen is the second wine of Château Chasse-Spleen, a historic Moulis-en-Médoc estate originally part of the Château Grand-Poujeaux vineyards. Formed in 1822 and famously named for its power to "dispel melancholy", Chasse-Spleen was acquired by Jacques Merlaut in 1976 and is now led by his daughter Céline Foubet and her husband Jean-Pierre. Under their stewardship and the guidance of legendary oenologist Emile Peynaud, the estate has earned a reputation for outperforming classified growths. L’Héritage reflects this pedigree with exceptional consistency and quality, offering an accessible yet age-worthy expression of the estate’s terroir.. TASTING NOTES. The 2020 vintage is structured and expressive, offering rich aromas of blackberry, cassis, and rose petals, underscored by warm oriental spice. The palate delivers layers of black fruit, vanilla, cocoa, and a hint of shortbread, all wrapped in fine-grained tannins. A medium- to full-bodied claret with freshness and impressive balance, promising both immediate appeal and ageing potential.. FOOD PAIRING. Perfect with classic French fare like pan-fried fillet of beef and wild mushrooms or za’atar-crusted lamb. Also excellent with glazed barbecue pork ribs, Maroilles cheese, or Sicilian-style tuna polpette.. FRIARWOOD SAYS. This second wine is a hidden gem of the Médoc. The 2020 vintage shows superb finesse and concentration, proving once again that L’Héritage de Chasse-Spleen offers extraordinary value from a top Bordeaux estate.