2021 Duhart Milon Rothschild
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Tasting notes
The 2021 from Ch. Duhart-Milon has the highest percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon to date – representing 81% of the blend (with 19% Merlot). As with all the Lafite wines this year, there’s a little more press wine in the blend – 14.5% here. Aged in 50% new oak, the resulting wine is another impressive offering from the estate, with the characteristic elegance that we expect of this Pauillac First Growth’s expert team. The nose is classic, pinpoint Pauillac – dominated by graphite shavings, with pure, sweet cassis and a lift of violet aromatics. There’s a rush of plush and juicy fruit on the mid-palate, with chalky tannins and creamy oak, all balanced by a bite of redcurrant acidity. Aristocratic in general, the finish is expressive and explosive, lifted by the acidity. Alcohol is the same as 2020 at 13%.
Critic scores
Average Score
William Kelley, Wine Advocate
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
A solid step up, the 2021 Château Duhart-Milon has terrific cassis, graphite, and tobacco notes in a medium-bodied, elegant style. I like its tannins, and it has good mid-palate depth as well as the fresher, almost crunchy style of the vintage.
The 2021 Duhart-Milon is a potent, brooding wine. Dark fruit, herbs, licorice and incense fill out the layers nicely. The oak still needs time to come together, but that is what élevage is for. The 2021 is a serious Duhart. Whether or not it will acquire a bit more charm remains an open question.
The 2021 Duhart-Milon is medium to deep garnet-purple in color. Fresh blackberries and mulberries jump from the nose followed by notions of pencil shavings, dried lavender, sage, and crushed rocks. Light-bodied, the palate is soft and lively with just enough uncomplicated black fruits and an earth and dried herbs laced finish. The blend is 81% Cabernet Sauvignon and 19% Merlot, possessing less Merlot than usual.
About the producer
Ch. Duhart-Milon is a leading Pauillac estate owned by Domaines Barons de Rothschild, alongside Ch. Lafite Rothschild. It benefits from the same winemaking expertise and has seen significant investment in recent years.