Pastourelle de Clerc Milon serves as the distinguished second wine of Château Clerc Milon, a Fifth Growth estate nestled within the prestigious Pauillac appellation. Sourced from younger vines and specific parcels of the Clerc Milon vineyard, it offers an earlier-drinking expression of this renowned terroir. The vineyard's deep gravel soils, characteristic of Pauillac, impart a profound minerality and structure to the Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant blend. The 2016 vintage, celebrated for its balance and concentration across Bordeaux, allowed for optimal ripeness and phenolic maturity. This wine undergoes a meticulous vinification process, with a judicious oak regime designed to complement rather than overpower its vibrant fruit profile, typically involving a lower proportion of new oak compared to the Grand Vin. It embodies the classic Pauillac signature of cassis, cedar, and a firm yet refined tannic framework.
Tasting notes
The 2016 Pastourelle de Clerc Milon presents a deep ruby hue, hinting at its concentration. On the nose, an aromatic tapestry unfolds with pronounced notes of ripe blackcurrant, cassis, and a distinctive Pauillac graphite minerality, interwoven with subtle nuances of cedar and tobacco leaf from its oak maturation. The palate is medium to full-bodied, showcasing a refined structure with firm yet integrated tannins that provide excellent grip and length. A vibrant acidity carries the dark fruit core through to a persistent finish, marked by echoes of its complex aromatic profile. This wine offers a compelling balance of power and elegance, characteristic of its appellation and vintage.