Pauillac
72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 6.5% Cabernet Franc, 1.5% Carmenere, and 1% Petit Verdot
Château Clerc Milon is located in the northeast of the Pauillac appellation, on the beautiful Mousset ridge overlooking the Gironde. The winery has some 41 hectares of vines planted on a gentle slope which promotes both natural drainage and exposure to sunlight, while the nearby river creates a microclimate that protects the vines from frost in spring, reduces the risk of hail and provides cooling in the summer. The soil consists of sandy gravel and clay limestone. The vineyard is planted with 5 typical varieties of the region: Cabernet Sauvignon 72%, Merlot 19%, Cabernet Franc 6.5%, Carmenère 1.5% and Petit Verdot 1%. The average age of the vines is 53 years, probably one of the highest in the Medoc. The density of the vines is high, ranging between 8,500 and 10,000 vines per hectare, depending on the plot.
Jane Anson: 96/100
Pauillac was close to normal rainfall, with less mildew than other parts of the region, helping to usher in the excellent crop of wines that you will find in the appellation in 2023. This joins the best of them with its superb quality, and a real sense of excitement and drive. Expect vivacity and tension in the blue and black fruits, with liqourice root, squid ink, salted cracker, white pepper spice and freshly cut herbs.
James Suckling: 95-96/100
This has a great finish, with blackcurrant, chocolate, hazelnut and salt undertones that run the length of the wine. Full-bodied and dense, and then it lifts off at the end. Chalky undertone, coming from the limestone terroir here.
Wine Advocate: 92-94/100
Revealing aromas of red berries, cherries and blackcurrants mingled with hints of pencil shavings and new oak, the 2023 Clerc Milon is medium to full-bodied, deep and fleshy, with a layered core of fruit, sweet velvety tannins and a seamless, succulent profile.