Château Chasse-Spleen 2023

Château Chasse-Spleen is one of the leading estates of Moulis-en-Médoc, the smallest of the Médoc's communal appellations, its name taken from Baudelaire's phrase for chasing away melancholy. The blend brings together Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, farmed under sustainable practices. Moulis sits inland on deep gravel mounds over clay and limestone; the gravel drains freely and stores heat to ripen Cabernet, while the clay-limestone subsoil holds water and gives the wine its depth and grip. The warm 2023 season pushed ripeness, and the wine reaches 15 percent alcohol. Eighteen months in oak barrels rounds the tannins through slow oxygen exchange and adds smoke, dark chocolate and spice. Expect a deep colour and a nose of dark plum and black cherry with smoky oak and a savoury edge. The palate is full-bodied and structured, with ripe, firm tannins, fresh acidity and a long finish. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees and decant an hour or two ahead, ideally in a large glass. It calls for rich red meat and game.