The Chasse-Spleen has an attractive citrus-fresh bouquet with very fine freshness and delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with chalky tannins on the entry. I like the strictness and linearity of the pre-natal Chasse-Spleen. It does not possess the persistency or volume of a top vintage, but there is plenty of attractive, cedar and smoke infused fruit to enjoy. It will probably need several years bottle age. Commendable. Tasted April 2013.

Grippy, downplaying the burly edge of the vintage, offering crushed plum and raspberry fruit laced with black tea and mineral notes. The structure is almost supple through the finish. —J.M.

From the Villars family, the 2012 Chasse-Spleen has a saturated ruby/purple color and chunky, medium-bodied flavors of cassis, earth and spice, It cuts a somewhat powerful personality across the palate and finishes with moderate tannin. This is a good to very good Mèdoc that will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age and last for 12-15 years.

This attractive dark ruby/plum-colored 2012 offers up notes of lead pencil shavings, vanillin, earth, black currants and black cherries. Medium-bodied, easygoing, seductive and consumer friendly, drink it over the next decade. Drink: 2013 - 2023

Rich black-fruit aroma, dark and savoury. Grainy but fine tannins, honest and complete. Nice chewy finish. (JH)