Château CLERC MILON 2019
In Pauillac, Château Clerc Milon occupies a high-quality vineyard located in the immediate vicinity of several major crus of the appellation. Fifth Grand Cru Classé in 1855, the estate has belonged to the Rothschild family since 1970 and has since benefited from significant restructuring and precise parcel work. Its terroir mainly combines deep gravel soils on clay-limestone subsoils, particularly favorable to Cabernet Sauvignon. The vineyard is also distinguished by the diversity of its grape varieties, with a notable presence of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Carménère alongside Merlot. This varietal richness contributes to the unique style of the cru, often marked by a combination of depth, spices, and freshness. The 2019 vintage, sunny but balanced, allowed for very homogeneous ripeness while maintaining a beautiful aromatic definition. Clerc Milon 2019 thus presents itself as a full-bodied and precise Pauillac, endowed with a serious structure but without excessive rigidity.
Château Clerc Milon 2019 blends 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. Cabernet Sauvignon forms the backbone of the wine with a deep framework, an expression of blackcurrant and graphite, and remarkable persistence. Merlot adds more flesh and suppleness to the mid-palate, while Cabernet Franc refines the bouquet with floral and spicy nuances. Petit Verdot discreetly enhances the color and tension. The different parcels are vinified separately before blending to best preserve the personality of each lot. Aging in French oak barrels gradually refines the structure and helps to polish the tannins without overpowering the fruit. The 2019 vintage now has beautiful cohesion, but its balance and density will allow it to evolve favorably for many years.
The color shows a deep garnet hue with still very intense ruby reflections. The nose opens on blackcurrant, blackberry, and black cherry, then develops nuances of violet, cedar, and graphite. Aeration gradually reveals blond tobacco, cocoa, licorice, and sweet spices. The palate is ample and structured, with a fine tannic grain that gives depth without a sensation of hardness. Cabernet Sauvignon brings uprightness and length, while Merlot envelops the mid-palate with a more velvety texture. The finish remains long and precise, on black fruits, spices, graphite, and a slight smoky note. Château Clerc Milon 2019 will accompany a rib steak, a roasted rack of lamb, pigeon with porcini mushrooms, duck breast, or game birds.
Grape varieties: 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot
