Château Chasse-Spleen

The Estate

Chasse-Spleen was originally one piece of a much larger estate in Haut-Médoc called Chateau Grand-Poujeaux.  There was a split in 1822, and what was once Grand-Poujeaux became 4 smaller estates: Chateau Gressier-Grand-Poujeaux, Chateau Poujeaux-Theil, Chateau Maucaillou, and Chateau Chasse-Spleen.

The origins of the name “Chasse-Spleen” are foggy, but often attributed to Lord Byron who visited the estate in 1821. Byron was so moved during his stay that he was quoted as exclaiming, “Quel remede pour chasser le spleen!” or (loosely): “What better remedy to dispel melancholy!”

Chateau Chasse Spleen was owned by the Castaing family until the start of World War I when it was purchased by a German wine merchants. It was later confiscated as enemy property during the war and sold at an auction in 1922 to the Lahary family.

In 1976, the estate was bought by the Merlaut family, owners of Chateau Gruaud Larose, Chateau Ferriere, Chateau Citran, and Chateau Haut Bages Liberal, as well as a successful négociant business. Under the management of patriarch Jacques Merlaut and his daughter, Bernadotte Villars, several changes were made: the production area was increased from 40 to 80 hectares, large portions of the vines were replanted to increase vine density, and the wine making facilities were modernized.

Jacques’ daughter Bernadette later assumed control of Chateau Chasse Spleen, and with consultation from Emile Peynaud, the quality of the wines produced went up considerably.  Bernadette and her husband sadly passed away in 1992 after a mountaineering accident, and management of the estate was passed on to her daughter, Claire Villars.


Château Chasse-Spleen Moulis-en-Médoc

Production Area: 80 hectares

Terroir: Gravel, clay, and chalk soil

Grape Varieties: 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and 7% Petit Verdot

Average Age of the Vines: 30 years old

Plantation Density: 8,000-10,000 vines per hectare

Vinification: Vinified in a combination of stainless steel tanks and wooden vats. Malolactic fermentation takes place in vat.

Aging: In French oak barrels (40% new) for 12-15 months before bottling.

Cellaring Potential: 8-15 years

Annual Production: About 40,000 cases

 

 

 

 

 


L'Héritage de Chasse-Spleen Haut-Médoc

Overview: The history and evolution of a vineyard through inheritances, purchases, and regoupings of lands can lead to the association of several AOC within the same estate.  Chasse-Spleen was established long before the AOC notion even existed, and as a result, some of its plots no longer belong to the same appellation.  Today, they own 12 hectares in the appellation of Haut-Médoc.  The INAO recognizes the notion of organization into a hierarchy for the Médoc AOC.  This means that every single wine produced in Haut-Médoc and in communal appellations (Saint-Estèphe, Pauillac, Saint-Julien, Moulis, Marguax) is, before all else, a Haut-Médoc wine, while the opposite is not necessarily true.  Only the plots that produce exclusively within these demarcated appellations may claim the communal AOC.  In this way, some Moulis plots can lawfully also claim their Haut-Médoc appellation.  This way, an average of 20 hectares of Haut-Médoc land produces l’Héritage de Chasse-Spleen.

At first known as Ermitage de Chasse Spleen, this wine had to be given a new name in 2000 because of homonymy reasons.  Being born under the best auspices while inheriting all the care brought to the Grand Vin, this new name seemed very appropriate.

Tasting Notes: Brilliant garnet color.  Aromas of cassis, black cherry, and a touch of minerality.  Supple and fresh on the palate.