Somewhat of an "enfant terrible", the 2018 vintage also marks 150 years of winemaking by the De Rothschild family.
After a cold winter, the rainy spring brought with it significant mildew pressure in the vineyards. However, Chateau Duhart-Milon, a Grand Cru Classe located in the heart of the Pauillac appellation, on the left bank of Bordeaux managed to stay in the clear. The weather changed dramatically in mid-July, with the arrival of a dry and hot summer that favored an optimal ripening of the berries. The predominantly gravel terroir of the Chateau Duhart-Milon vineyard experienced significant water stress in August and September, particularly in the Cabernet plots. The Merlot terroirs, on the other hand, have more clay and bore the water stress perfectly.
Made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (65%) and Merlot (35%), the Chateau Duhart-Milon 2018 displays the exceptional quality of the harvest in this great vintage. The Grand Vin of the property, the Chateau Duhart-Milon 2018 is in line with its most beautiful vintages, radiating the elegance that has become the signature of the property.
The 2018 Duhart-Milon is composed of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot, with the Cabernet Sauvignon harvested September 25 to October 4 and the Merlot harvested September 17-25, and it has 14% alcohol. Deep garnet-purple colored, it leaps from the glass with exuberant notes of Black Forest cake, plum preserves and crème de cassis with hints of spice cake, woodsmoke, potpourri and eucalyptus. Full-bodied, rich and laden with layers of black fruit preserves and spices, it has a velvety texture and just enough freshness, finishing long. Very impressive--the densest, most opulent Duhart I have tasted!