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
Tasted blind. Mid bright crimson. Polished tannins and some sweet-cedar quality but not that much in the middle. Acidity on the end. (JR)
The 2021 Château Duhart-Milon brings another level of richness, yet it still plays in the pretty, medium-bodied, elegant style of the vintage. Slightly darker red and black fruits, tobacco, and leather all define the aromatics, and it has ultra-fine tannins, beautiful overall balance, and the class to evolve nicely for 15 years or more. I think it's a beautiful wine.
The 2021 Duhart-Milon was the second year in the new cellar that Eric Kohler said allowed them to make a stricter selection, and it includes more vin de presse (14%). The 2021 has a typical Duhart nose, with cedar and pencil box aromas percolating through the black fruit. The new oak is neatly integrated. The palate is very well-balanced with finely chiseled tannins. A little more peppery in style than I remember out of barrel, this gently fans out on the graphite-tinged finish. Perhaps it will be more approachable than recent vintages, but it has the substance to age.
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.