Château Chasse-Spleen 1970

Château Chasse-Spleen has this intriguing vibe just from its name alone. Born in the Moulis-en-Médoc region of Bordeaux, it's a blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. While it might not compete with the top-tier châteaux, this 1970 vintage stands out with its own character, leaving a lasting impression even after all these years.

In volume 7, this wine makes an appearance as something akin to a journey on Pegasus through memories. It's pitted against Château Margaux, one of the five great châteaux, which gives it quite a daring position for a bourgeois label. It’s like saying “goodbye to sadness,” evoking scenes of reminiscing about the past.

Pour it into the glass and you'll notice its brickish hue with a hint of orange around the edges—a sign of its maturity. The aroma is rich and complex, with deep fruit notes of blackberry and cassis, alongside hints of dried herbs and tea, and that lovely underbrush scent. It's like walking through a dense forest, with the aromas opening up beautifully as you swirl the glass.

On the palate, you first get this lush fruitiness, followed by a nice structure from the vibrant acidity and dense tannins. It's got a strong framework, but there's a smoothness that balances it out wonderfully. The finish is long, softening gently towards the end. This is the kind of wine you want to take your time with, savoring every sip slowly.