The 1989 Chasse-Spleen, a Bordeaux Blend from the Moulis sub-region in Bordeaux, France, has received high praise from various professional reviewers. This red wine, produced by Chasse-Spleen, showcases the exceptional qualities of the vintage year.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded the wine a score of 91, describing it as "the finest wine this property has produced since their great 1949." Robert Parker highlighted its "spectacularly rich, powerful, authoritative" nature, noting it "can compete with and even surpass many of the most famous names." He emphasized the wine's "layer upon layer of concentrated, sweet, expansive, blackcurrant fruit" framed by "toasty new oak and decent acidity." Parker anticipated that it would reach its maturity between 1996 and 2015.
Wine Spectator also rated the 1989 Chasse-Spleen with a score of 91, calling it "Big and chewy" and "Impressive." The review noted its dark ruby color and aromas of "cocoa, coffee and chocolate" masked by ripe fruit. Described as "full-bodied and very rich," the wine features "lots of chewy tannins" and a "long, roasted coffee and berry aftertaste." They suggested it would be best enjoyed after 2004.
Vinous gave the wine a slightly higher score of 92, with Neal Martin describing the nose of the wine as having notes of "chestnut and black truffle, with a touch of dried blood." Martin praised its balance, with "dusty black fruit laced with cedar and charcoal," concluding with an "old school" finish that includes a hint of soy. He noted that the wine has held up wonderfully over the years.
Jeff Leve from TheWineCellarInsider.com echoed the praise with another score of 92. Leve remarked that even at 20 years old, the wine tasted younger, filled with "layers of deep, ripe black fruit, herbs, earth, and tobacco scents." He described it as full-bodied and well-integrated, predicting it would continue to offer pleasure for at least another two decades. Leve also mentioned that the wine "will fool a lot of people in a blind tasting."
In summary, the 1989 Chasse-Spleen is a highly regarded Bordeaux Blend that has aged gracefully, offering a complex and rich tasting experience. Reviews consistently highlight its impressive structure, depth of flavor, and long-lasting appeal.