Chateau Chasse-Spleen 1981

Château Chasse-Spleen, Moulis en Medoc 1981

Producer: Château Chasse-Spleen | Appellation: Moulis-en-Médoc, Bordeaux, France | Classification: Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel | Blend: Predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot and Petit Verdot | Drinking Window: 2000–2030 | Aging Potential: 50+ years

The Wine

The 1981 Château Chasse-Spleen is a beautifully mature expression of Moulis-en-Médoc, embodying the estate’s signature balance of depth, structure, and finesse.

This vintage showcases the château’s ability to craft wines that age gracefully, offering a captivating mix of tertiary complexity and lingering elegance.

A true collector’s gem, it remains an exceptional choice for those who appreciate well-evolved Bordeaux.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Rich and expressive, unveiling a tapestry of dried blackcurrants, tobacco leaf, cedarwood, and earthy truffle.

Hints of graphite, leather, and dried herbs add further depth, capturing the essence of a mature Left Bank Bordeaux.

Palate: Supple yet structured, with silky tannins and a refined core of dark fruit, plum, and cassis.

Notes of cigar box, dried violets, and savoury spice emerge with aeration, adding layers of complexity.

A gentle, well-integrated acidity lifts the wine, ensuring a long and graceful finish.

Finish: Persistent and harmonious, leaving lingering impressions of spice, old oak, and earthy minerality, highlighting the wine’s remarkable longevity.

Producer Details

Château Chasse-Spleen is one of Moulis-en-Médoc’s most prestigious estates, known for producing wines that rival classified growths in structure and age-worthiness.

With a history dating back to the 18th century, the château has built a reputation for crafting wines of power, elegance, and distinction.

The 1981 vintage exemplifies the estate’s mastery of traditional Bordeaux winemaking.

Wine Details

• Vinification: Traditional fermentation in stainless steel vats, followed by aging in French oak barrels (30–40% new oak) for 12–18 months

• Alcohol Content: 12.5% ABV

• Cellaring: Fully mature yet still evolving, this vintage is best enjoyed now but will hold gracefully for years to come

Food Pairing Suggestions

This aged Bordeaux pairs exquisitely with roast lamb, duck confit, or grilled venison, as well as aged cheeses like Gruyère, Stilton, and Camembert.

A superb choice for those who appreciate classic, well-matured wines.

A rare and distinguished offering, the 1981 Château Chasse-Spleen is a must-have for Bordeaux enthusiasts and collectors who seek a time-honored expression of Médoc’s terroir and winemaking tradition.