Chateau Clerc Milon 2021

The precision and finesse of a fine Pauillac red wine

The estate

With origins dating back to the 18th century, this property was once part of the Seigneurie de Lafite estates. Chateau Clerc Milon takes its name from the Clerc family, who owned the Milon hamlet of Pauillac, where the chateau was located. In 1855, the property earned the title of Classified Fifth Growth and it is today considered one of the greatest crus of the Medoc. In 1970, Baron Philippe de Rothschild decided to purchase the property in order to express the full potential of its great terroir. In 2007, Chateau Clerc Milon acquired a new fully gravity-fed vat, and in 2011, a semi-underground barrel room, a reception area and a tasting room.

The vineyard

Chateau Clerc Milon 2021 is a Pauillac wine made from a 41-hectare vineyard, a large part of which is located on the Mousset hill, overlooking the Gironde. Located in the north-eastern part of the Pauillac appellation, this terroir is made up of gravelly sandy soils upon a clay-limestone base in the eastern part of the estate.

The vintage

The mildness and humidity of winter favored an early and even budburst. April was particularly dry and was punctuated by frost periods which did not impact the vineyard, thanks to its location near the Gironde estuary. Despite the coolness and rainfall during May, which slowed down the vegetative development, the optimal flowering period took place under mild temperatures. Although from mid-June to mid-July there was a strong mildew pressure, resulting from unstable stormy conditions, which persisted until the end of the veraison period. The vineyard health benefited from the dry climate in August which ensured that the grapes ripened gradually. Harvested at optimal maturity, the healthy and concentrated grapes reveal a fresh, balanced and structured expression that resonates with the great vintages of the last century.

The blend

Cabernet Sauvignon (59%)

Merlot (28%)

Cabernet Franc (10%)

Carmenère (1.5%)

Petit Verdot (1.5%).

Chateau Clerc Milon 2021: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Color

The color is deep with garnet highlights.

Nose

The nose is very elegant and harmoniously blends fruity (cherry, blackcurrant), liquorice and floral (violet) fragrances.

Palate

A rich and powerful attack precedes a brilliant mouth. The fine and precise tannins are combined with subtle aromas of pepper and cedar, all leading to a balanced and persistent finish.