CHATEAU CLERC MILON 5eme Grand Cru Classe, Pauillac 2021 Bottle

Description

Fifth-growth Château Clerc Milon is one of a trinity of Pauillac classified growths owned by the Baron Philippe de Rothschild family. Baron Philippe began renovation and restoration here in 1970 – work that was later championed by his daughter Baroness Philippine until her death in 2014.

Baroness Philippine’s children, Philippe and Camille Sereys de Rothschild and Julien de Beaumarchais de Rothschild, now continue their mother’s legacy. In recent times, the estate has flourished under the careful stewardship of Director Jean-Emmanuel Danjoy. In 2020, his role expanded to include Ch. Mouton Rothschild and Ch. d’Armailhac and the talented winemaker Caroline Artaud joined the team at Ch. Clerc Milon in the capacity of Director.

Ch. Clerc Milon’s vineyard holdings – just over 40 hectares – neighbour two first growths, Ch. Lafite and Ch. Mouton Rothschild. Half of the vines are Cabernet Sauvignon, with the remainder being Merlot (37%), Cabernet Franc (10%), Petit Verdot (2%) and Carmenère (1%). The vines have an average age of 53 years. Harvesting here is done by hand.

A huge amount of work has been done to improve the winemaking facilities. In 2007, the gravity-fed vat room was inaugurated; three years later, in 2011, work was finished on the winery, cellars and tasting room.

THE WINE ADVOCATE Rating (92 - 94)
Reviewed by William Kelley
Issue Date 29th Apr 2022
Source Issue 260 End of April 2022, The Wine Advocate
"The 2021 Clerc Milon is a success, bursting with aromas of blackberries, cassis and plums mingled with violets, tobacco leaf and nicely integrated new oak. Medium to full-bodied, layered and seamless, it's deep, fleshy and complete, with a rich core of succulent fruit, beautifully polished tannins and a long, sapid finish, it's a compelling, characterful wine that transcends the vintage."

DECANTER Score 93
Tasted by Georgina Hindle (at Bordeaux, 01 Apr 2022)
"Bramble and hedgerow notes, some smoke, tobacco, chocolate, liquorice-laced black fruits and graphite on the nose. Seriously captivating with the complexity continuing on the palate, comprising coffee, cedar, clove and cinnamon alongside plump and plush layers of succulent and concentrated blackcurrant and black cherry fruit and racy acidity. The 59% Cabernet Sauvignon influence is in sharp focus, right to the fore, wanting all the attention, but at the same time this has a beautiful and generous fragrance to it from 10% Cabernet Franc. Refined and elegant, I love the presentation and the structure, giving such length and freshness on the long finish. An excellent Clerc this year which really stands out. 1.5% Camenère and 1.5 Petit Verdot complete the blend. 3.73pH. Drinking Window 2025 - 2045."

JAMES SUCKLING **** Score 93-94
"Polished and well-structured red with a medium body and firm but creamy and broad tannins. Perfumed already, with sandalwood, blackberry and currant character. Crushed stones. Tea leaves, too. Firm and solid to the end. Very solid for the vintage. 59% cabernet sauvignon, 28% merlot, 10% cabernet franc, 1.5% carmenere and 1.5% petit verdot."

JANCIS ROBINSON Score 16.5
Drink 2028 - 2040
59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 1.5% Petit Verdot, 1.5% Carmenère. Cask sample.
"More restrained aromatically than some this year. Dark fruit and savoury nuance. Palate solid and firm with plenty of freshness. Tannins present but well rounded, tightening on the finish to give some persistence. Pleasantly dry finish. Pauillac muscle but in a low-key form."