CHATEAU CLERC MILON 5eme Grand Cru Classe, Pauillac 2022 Bottle
Red Still Wine | France | Bordeaux | Pauillac | 75cl
£89.95
ABV: 14.5%
Size: 75cl
Closure Type: Cork
Country: France
Region: Bordeaux
Sub-Region: Pauillac
Wine Style: Medium Bodied
Grapes: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot
Description
The 2022 Clerc Milon is a captivating expression of Bordeaux elegance, earning 93-95 points from The Wine Advocate. This blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Carmenère showcases enticing aromas of cherries, raspberries, and plums, complemented by hints of pencil shavings and rose petals. On the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, balancing concentrated fruit and fine, chalky tannins. The clay-limestone terroir imparts a distinct minerality. Rated 95 points by Decanter, it delivers bold blackberries and florals, with a juicy finish. Jancis Robinson awarded it 18 points, noting its elegance and fresh finish. With its harmonious complexity, Clerc Milon promises to evolve beautifully from 2028 to 2048, making it a must-try Bordeaux.
A Deeper Dive;
Château Clerc Milon
Nestled between two prestigious First Growths, the Clerc Milon estate benefits not only from a legacy of excellence but also boasts a unique environment that enriches the quality of its wines. The geographical positioning along the Gironde River creates an ideal microclimate, characterised by balanced temperatures and sufficient sunlight, crucial for grape maturation.
The land in this region features a varied landscape, with the iconic Mousset outcrop being a standout feature. This elevated plateau not only offers breathtaking views of the surrounding vineyards and the river but also allows for optimal drainage, preventing excess moisture from accumulating around the vine roots. The combination of deep, sandy gravel and a clay-limestone subsoil promotes healthy vine growth by providing essential nutrients and ensuring excellent drainage.
As a result of its distinctive location and the expert stewardship of its vineyard practices, Château Clerc Milon has cultivated a reputation for producing wines that reflect the very essence of Pauillac, showcasing the unique qualities of its terroir with every vintage. The commitment of the Rothschild family to adapt and modernise while respecting the traditions of the region further enhances the estate's position as a leader in the Médoc wine landscape.
DECANTER - 95 Points
"Fragrant, perfumed black berries and purple flowers. Smells intense and concentrated, deep, dark and rich. Bold and characterful from the first sip, supple and generous, a lovely shot of strawberry and red cherry fruit gives the tang and immediate excitement while the tannins, stoney and cool, enter and give the frame and focus for the finish. Really well made, great drive but plush at the same time, it’s silky yet well defined and also weighty and forward. A big mouthful that is just so juicy and fun, lively, expressive, well worked and so easy. A step-up from Pastourelle. Super accessible and really enjoyable with the sweet juicy tang that I adore and stony minerality on the finish that is moreish. Immediate pleasure on offer. 12.8% press wine. 1% Carmenere completes the blend. HVE3 certified. Ageing 18 months in French oak barrels, 55% new. 3.83pH."
Drinking Window: 2028-2048
THE WINE ADVOCATE - 95 Points
"Aromas of sweet crème de cassis, licorice, violets and creamy new oak introduce the 2022 Clerc Milon, a full-bodied, rich and layered wine that's deep and vibrant, with ripe, integrated tannins and lively acids, concluding with a long finish. As I wrote en primeur, its clay-limestone terroir lends it a distinctive signature that sets it apart from the rest of the portfolio."
Drinking Window: 2027-2055
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JANCIS ROBINSON - 18/20 Points
"Very dark crimson. Marked stony/mineral character over the deep, dark, non-sweet fruit. Smells like a stone quarry. Elegant in its power. Even after tasting many tannic wines, this stands out for its tannic elegance. Fresh on the finish even if the tannins are making the strongest impression at the moment."