Château Clerc Milon, a Fifth Growth Grand Cru Classé from the esteemed Pauillac appellation, is a distinguished estate within the Baron Philippe de Rothschild portfolio. Situated on gravelly soils adjacent to its illustrious neighbours, the vineyard benefits from a terroir ideally suited to Cabernet Sauvignon, the dominant varietal in its blend.
The 2020 vintage in Bordeaux is widely lauded for its exceptional quality, characterized by a harmonious balance of power, concentration, and freshness. Clerc Milon 2020 reflects these vintage attributes, showcasing a wine crafted with meticulous attention to detail from vineyard management through to vinification. The blend, typically Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant with significant Merlot and touches of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, undergoes careful oak maturation, contributing to its structure and aromatic complexity. This is a wine built for the cellar, promising significant evolution and reward for patient collectors.
Tasting notes
The 2020 Clerc Milon presents a deep, opaque ruby hue. On the nose, it offers an intense and layered bouquet of ripe blackcurrant, cassis, and dark cherry, interwoven with classic Pauillac notes of cedar, graphite, and a hint of tobacco leaf. Subtle nuances of spice and vanilla emerge from its oak maturation.
The palate is full-bodied and commanding, revealing a firm tannic structure that is both powerful and refined. Concentrated dark fruit flavours are balanced by a vibrant acidity, leading to a long, persistent finish marked by mineral undertones and evolving complexity. While approachable in its youth, this wine will undoubtedly benefit from extended cellaring, allowing its intricate components to fully integrate and express their profound potential.