Chateau Clerc Milon

Wine information: Chateau Clerc Milon, classified as a fifth growth Pauillac, is located in an exceptionally favourable situation adjoining both Lafite and Mouton. Now owned by Baroness Philippine de Rothschild, it was bought in 1970 by her father Baron Philipe, at a time when the estate was quite run down. The estate was subsequently reorganised and renovated and has now become one of the most sought-after Bordeaux wines and consistently outperforms its rank. The Clerc Milon label is illustrated with a pair of dancing clowns made of precious stones, which is owned by the Rothschilds and kept at the Museum of Wine in Art at Chateau Mouton Rothschild. There are 41 hectares of vines (average age 52 years) at Pauillac planted with 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Carmenere. The wine is aged for 16 to 18 months in oak barrels (30% new).

Reviews: "Despite the fact there is 44% Merlot in this wine (blended with 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Carmenere), this is a tannic, structured, backward Clerc Milon, which is atypical for this estate. Perhaps I just caught it at a time when the structure was dominating. It is a deep ruby/purple-hued, concentrated, impressively endowed effort that requires serious cellar age, 4-5 years minimum. It should last for 20-25 years. (Tasted two times.)" 90 - 92+ Points, Robert Parker

"50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot, 1% Carmenère. Picked 23 Sep – 6 Oct. Deep moody colour. Pretty sumptuous and polished – super- ripe and flattering. Very sweet and rich although, like the other wines from this stable, some slightly rugged tannins. No obvious alcohol but fairly ripe and plush, plus notable acidity. Fine boned with attractive sweetness but no knock- out ingredient X. Rather drying finish, imprecise. Certainly a defiantly more traditional style than some of its peers – odd, or perhaps predictable? – in view of the fact that it used to be criticised for being too New World!" 17 Points, Jancis Robinson

"Delivers blackberry galore, with fabulous floral and currant undertones. Complex on the nose. Full-bodied, offering chewy tannins and lots of black licorice and currant character. Chewy, but reserved at the same time. A top Clerc. 50 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 44 percent Merlot, 4 percent Cabernet Franc, 1 percent Petit Verdot and 1 percent Carmenère." 93 - 96 Points, Wine Spectator

 
     

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