Château Chasse-Spleen

The story of Château Chasse-Spleen begins in the 18th century, when it was part of a larger estate called Grand-Poujeaux. The property has been around since at least 1560, making it one of the oldest in Moulis-en-Médoc. In 1822, the estate was divided, and Chasse-Spleen emerged as its own entity. The name itself is poetic and mysterious. Some say Lord Byron visited in 1821 and declared the wine a perfect remedy to chase away melancholy. Others attribute it to Charles Baudelaire, whose poem Spleen inspired the owner to choose this evocative name. Either way, the château has been living up to its promise ever since.

A Family Legacy

The estate changed hands several times before finding its modern identity. The Castaing family owned it through much of the 19th century, building its reputation. After World War I, it was sold to the Lahary family in 1922. The real transformation came in 1976 when Jacques Merlaut acquired the property. His daughter Bernadette Villars took the reins and, working with legendary oenologist Emile Peynaud, elevated the quality dramatically. Tragically, Bernadette died in a mountaineering accident in 1992. Today, her daughter Céline Villars-Foubet runs the estate with her husband Jean-Pierre Foubet. They continue the family's commitment to excellence while modernizing facilities and expanding the vineyard. In 2023, they acquired neighboring Château Brillette, making Chasse-Spleen one of the largest estates in the Médoc.

The Terroir

Château Chasse-Spleen sits in Moulis-en-Médoc, the smallest appellation in the Médoc, halfway between Margaux and Saint-Julien. The 135-hectare vineyard spreads across gravelly soils mixed with clay and limestone. These deep Garonne gravels offer excellent drainage and encourage the vines to root deeply. The estate is planted with 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and 4% Cabernet Franc. The vines average 30 years old, with a density of 8,000 to 10,000 plants per hectare. The estate is certified HVE, focusing on biodiversity and sustainable practices. There's even a small 3-hectare plot of white grapes producing Blanc de Chasse-Spleen, a Bordeaux Blanc made from Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc.

Winemaking Philosophy

The approach here combines tradition with modern precision. Grapes are hand-harvested and carefully sorted. Vinification happens in a mix of stainless steel and wooden vats, with temperature control to preserve freshness. Maceration lasts about a month to extract color and tannins. The wine then ages for 12 to 15 months in French oak barrels, with 40% new wood. The result is a wine that balances power with elegance. Renowned consultant Jacques Boissenot advises on each vintage, ensuring consistency and quality.

The Wines

Château Chasse-Spleen produces several cuvées. The grand vin is the flagship, a Moulis-en-Médoc with structure, depth, and aging potential. It shows classic notes of blackcurrant, cherry, cedar, and subtle vanilla. L'Héritage de Chasse-Spleen is the second wine, made from parcels in Haut-Médoc. It's more approachable and can be enjoyed younger. L'Oratoire de Chasse-Spleen comes from younger vines and offers a softer, fruitier style. The estate also produces the white Blanc de Chasse-Spleen, a fresh and elegant Bordeaux Blanc. Chasse-Spleen was classified as Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel in 1932 and is widely considered to punch above its classification, rivaling many classed growths.