The 2013 Château Chasse-Spleen from Moulis-en-Médoc, Bordeaux, is a refined red wine known for its elegance and finesse in a challenging vintage. It offers a reserved nose with aromas of raspberry, cranberry leaf, cedar, and a hint of cola, evolving into earthy tones. On the palate, it is clean, feminine, and light-bodied, with low, silky tannins and a soft, lingering finish featuring floral notes. The wine showcases flavors of cherry, blueberry, chocolate, and cedar, with aromatic intensity and a velvety texture characteristic of Chasse-Spleen.
Food Pairings
The 2013 Château Chasse-Spleen pairs well with:
- Red meats: Grilled or roasted beef, lamb, or venison, complementing the wine’s savory and earthy profile.
- Poultry and game: Roast chicken, duck, or pheasant, which harmonize with its light body and floral notes.
- Soft cheeses: Such as Brie or Camembert, balancing the wine’s silky tannins. Its delicate structure makes it versatile for lighter, savory dishes compared to bolder Bordeaux wines.
Critics Reviews
Critic reviews for the 2013 Château Chasse-Spleen (standard bottle, applicable to Imperial):
- CellarTracker: Described as “clean, feminine, light bottle, very easy to drink with low tannins” with a recognizable “velour character.” Users note its drinkability but suggest it may benefit from further aging.
- Millesima: Highlights the reserved nose with raspberry, cranberry leaf, cedar, and earthy tones, suggesting a balanced but understated wine.
- No specific scores are provided for the 2013 vintage in the sources, but it is considered a good value wine, rated equal to or slightly higher than similar wines at its price point.
- The 2013 vintage was challenging due to cool weather, resulting in precise, lower-alcohol styles, which critics appreciate for their elegance but note lack the depth of riper vintages.
Drink Window
The 2013 Château Chasse-Spleen is likely approaching or at its peak drinkability, given its lighter structure from a cooler vintage. Based on critic notes and the wine’s profile:
- Drink Window: Now–2028. It is drinkable now due to its low tannins and soft finish but may develop further complexity over the next few years.
- For Imperial bottles, which age more slowly due to their larger format, the window may extend slightly to 2030, but the 2013 vintage’s lighter style suggests earlier consumption is optimal.
Notes
- Imperial Bottle: The 6L format is rare and primarily sought by collectors or for special events. Its larger size slows aging, preserving freshness, which is advantageous for the lighter 2013 vintage.
- Vintage Context: 2013 was a cool, challenging year in Bordeaux, producing wines with less concentration but notable elegance. Château Chasse-Spleen’s 2013 is praised for its balance and value.
