Harvested between September 23 and 29, 2014,
Merlot crops benefited from generally good conditions and a lot of sun. On the other hand, the
Cabernet Sauvignon truly prospered, maturing beautifully, and offering fresher and more elegant expressions along with rich yet very mild tannins. Picked between September 29 and October 10, 2014 on
Chateau Duhart-Milon parcels; the 55%
Cabernet Sauvignon blend brings length, fresh flavours, and density to the
2014 Chateau Duhart-Milon. This dark, ink-coloured
Pauillac wine offers commanding balsamic -cedar- notes with lovely, dense fragrances of blueberry, brandied raspberries, and dark figs evolving into seductive red rose aromas. Aeration brings out rich flavours along those lines. The
2014 Duhart-Milon very sharp yet neat palate carries volume. The mid-palate is both powerful and delicate: the perfect combination of high concentration, character, and elegance. This
Pauillac holds great ageing potential!
The 2014 Duhart-Milon-Rothschild is clearly a level up in quality compared to the Moulin de Duhart this year, with ample blackberry and cedar scents on the nose. As I observed from barrel, it is less austere than previous vintages of Duhart. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, plenty of blackberry laced with tobacco, Chinese five spice and just a faint hint of dark chocolate right on the finish. It should drink well over the next 12-15 years.