1996 Chasse Spleen
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Tasting notes
Correct, clean, slightly baked sort of nose. Already round and not desperately dense – a “96 Lite”. For early drinking. No risks taken! (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Wine Spectator
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Very blueish crimson. Light, well-balanced nose. Minerals. A bit of toast. Lightweight and a bit austere. Lots of acidity. Not fun yet! (JR)
I tasted this wine on three separate occasions, and although it possesses impressive structure and enough depth of fruit, it is disjointed and exhibits an astringent finish - largely because of the high tannin level. If it fleshes out and the tannin sweetens, the wine will merit a score in the upper eighties. For now, it is a deep purple-colored, Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated wine with medium body, and strong tannin in both the flavor and finish. It is made in a style that will not provide much charm or pleasure for 7-8 years. It should keep for two decades.
Aromas of cedar, leather and tobacco, with fruity undertones. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a medium finish. Fruity, with a light, fresh herb aftertaste.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Drink now. 25,000 cases made.-James Suckling, Wine Spectator 2007
About the producer
If there’s one Moulis estate you know, it is likely Chasse-Spleen, today owned by the Foubet family. Vines have been planted here since the 16th century, and today it has an impressive 100 hectares to its name.