Wines Bordeaux Château Chasse Spleen - Moulis - 2016

Château Chasse Spleen 2016, hailing from the Bordeaux appellation, is recognised for its classic Left Bank profile, drawn from the historic terroirs of Moulis-en-Médoc. While the precise blend for this vintage can vary, it typically brings together the structural elegance and cassis-driven depth of Cabernet Sauvignon with the roundness and plush fruit of Merlot, possibly complemented by smaller portions of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The 2016 vintage in Bordeaux is distinguished by its outstanding ripeness and balance, the result of a growing season marked by a wet early spring followed by a long, warm, and dry summer. You can expect a wine of impressive concentration and poise, with vibrant dark fruit, hints of graphite, cedar, and a refined tannic structure that supports graceful ageing. Vinification at Chasse Spleen is traditionally meticulous, with care given to gentle extraction and oak maturation, yielding a wine both expressive and harmonious.

The region of Bordeaux, and in particular the Moulis-en-Médoc area, benefits from a temperate maritime climate tempered by the nearby Gironde estuary. Garonne gravel soils promote optimal drainage, which is especially important in balancing the vine’s vigour and concentrating flavour. Historically, Bordeaux’s Left Bank is famed for its structured reds, which often demonstrate remarkable longevity and evolving complexity with age. Château Chasse Spleen is emblematic of this tradition, consistently producing wines prized for their expressiveness and balance.

For food pairing, this style of Bordeaux red is a classic match for roasted or grilled meats: think rack of lamb with rosemary, entrecôte bordelaise, or duck breast. Regional dishes such as confit de canard or even a simple steak-frites will find a perfect foil in the wine’s freshness and grip. Cheese boards with hard or semi-firm cheeses—Comté, Tomme de Savoie, or aged mimolette—are also recommended.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine at 16-18°C. Decanting an hour before serving is advisable to allow the wine’s bouquet to unfold and the tannins to soften, particularly if consuming while the wine is still youthful.