2005 Chateau Chasse-Spleen, Moulis en Medoc

Shows blackberry and fresh mushroom on the nose. Medium-bodied, with soft tannins and an aftertaste of chocolate and delicate fruit. Best after 2012.

A deep purple hue. The nose has opulent sweet ripe black cherries and strawberry. The palate has a little astringency, a dense core of blackberry, plum and a touch of dark chocolate. Very good length. Surly at the moment but should improve. Tasted April 2006.

A blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot, this is a relatively big 2005 and somewhat larger than usual for Chasse-Spleen. The wine offers fairly high tannin but ripe, concentrated fruit. Dense, youthful ruby/garnet in color, with notes of cassis, saddle leather and spice, this wine could use another several years of cellaring and should keep 15+ years.

Drink 2013-2030
-Parker's Wine Buyer's Guide No 7

Deep plum/ruby-colored to the rim, the medium-bodied 2005 Chasse Spleen offers up aromas of smoke, damp earth, charcoal, black cherries, and currants. The tannins dominate at present, so purchasers should cellar it for 5-6 years, and consume it over the following two decades.

Red-ruby. Cool aromas of blackberry and mint. Quite primary and unevolved today, with reasonably intense dark fruit flavors currently suppressed by a streak of acidity that gives the finish a dry edge. Seems a bit underripe/overripe today and is showing awkwardly.