The 2009 is the finest Chasse Spleen since the 1989. Its deep purple color is accompanied by notes of graphite, black currants, sweet spice, and a hint of Chinese black tea. Full-bodied and opulent with well-integrated acidity, tannin, wood, and alcohol, it is a lush beauty to enjoy over the next 20+ years. (Tasted two times.)

Beautiful blueberry, black raspberry and cassis fruit as well as incense and graphite jump from the glass of this inky ruby/purple-colored wine. Ripe, medium to full-bodied, dense and rich, this is one of the stars of Moulis in 2009. Given its low acidity but abundant tannin, I suspect it could close down in a few years and last two decades.

Dark red. Violet, sweet smoky oak and a hint of black pepper on the inviting, perfumed nose. Easygoing and sweet, with pliant flavors of black cherry, dark berries and smoky milk chocolate. Finishes with round tannins and subtle sweet, spicy length. Not a gripping style but very typical of Chasse Spleen, if more concentrated and complex than the last few vintages.

Bright, moderately saturated red-ruby. Raspberry and licorice aromas and flavors are lifted by a violet topnote. Juicy and nicely ripe, with harmonious acidity energizing this medium-bodied wine. Finishes with firm tannins, a note of fresh herbs and good length, turning a bit dry as it opened in the glass.

Tasted at Vintex. This Chasse-Spleen has a lovely, well defined bouquet with black berry, plum, wild hedgerow and a touch of tobacco. The palate is dense, sinewy with firm tannins, tangible backbone and structure, with a dense, tannic finish that dominates the fruit at the moment. It will be intriguing to see how this develops because that finish is slightly metallic and hard. Tasted March 2010.

Full bottle 1,307 g. 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot. Transparent, shaded garnet. Round and ripe yet with good freshness. I'm tasting this straight from the cellar and it has responded well to a serving temperature of 13 °C. Very refreshing, well-balanced wine in which the tannins have receded, leaving quite a complex, minerally amalgam of mature fruit without a hint of dryness. I suspect the serving temperature has elevated this particular bottle above that tasted in October 2022 . (JR)

[50CS/43M/7PV] Cassis Cabernet and slightly milky oak on the nose; fresh, firm middleweight of moderate concentration; Crisply ripe fruit, but quite a chewy Chasse Spleen, crisp and chewy at once, with moderate complexit and length. Will require time. Not bad, but not up to the best of the year for its level. 2017-27