The 2009 is the finest Chasse Spleen since the 1989. Its deep purple color is accompanied by notes of graphite, black currants, sweet spice, and a hint of Chinese black tea. Full-bodied and opulent with well-integrated acidity, tannin, wood, and alcohol, it is a lush beauty to enjoy over the next 20+ years. Tasted two times. 90-92 points

This Chasse-Spleen has a lovely, well defined bouquet with black berry, plum, wild hedgerow and a touch of tobacco. The palate is dense, sinewy with firm tannins, tangible backbone and structure, with a dense, tannic finish that dominates the fruit at the moment. It will be intriguing to see how this develops because that finish is slightly metallic and hard. Tasted March 2010. 84-86? points