2020 Château Clerc Milon
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Tasting notes
This is enticing and impressive. The nose instantly feels quite ripe, with dark, pure and almost decadent blackcurrant fruit, alongside an earthy, savoury note. On the palate, it is plush and ripe, with waves of rich plump fruit – juicy and fresh blackcurrant and blackberry – with a saddle leather edge, but there’s also a saline freshness to off-set the ripeness. This doesn’t stray into jamminess at all, it’s rich, savoury and firm. The tannins are seamlessly ripe and structured, with an almost corduroy texture. Delicate notes of pepper, cloves and a herbaceous freshness add to the wine’s appeal. Sweet yet savoury, powerful yet approachable.
Critic scores
James Suckling
James Lawther MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Exceptional depth of color. The wine is a little closed now, with aromas of black licorice, violets and dark fruit. Quite full-bodied with abundant fine tannins that are fresh and seamless. Long, compact and substantial. There is excellent potential in this. 53% cabernet sauvignon, 36.5% merlot, 8% cabernet franc, 2% petit verdot and 0.5% carmenere. From a vertical tasting at the chateau. Better after 2028.
Tasted blind. Deep crimson. Dark, rich and spicy on the nose but also a touch raisiny, as it is on the palate. Fruit lacks energy. Thick, firm tannins. It could be that it just needs a lot of time but the fruit did not seem fresh enough to take my score higher. (JH)
The 2020 Clerc Milon has a more classically styled bouquet. It's well-defined with leafy red fruit, gradually gaining more intensity with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied and fleshy with pliant tannins and pastille-like purity, possessing gentle grip toward the slightly candied finish. It's leaves behind a very persistent spicy aftertaste. Give this a couple of years in bottle. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.
About the producer
Ch. Clerc Milon was purchased by Baron Philippe Rothschild in 1970. Today the 41-hectare vineyard, sandwiched between First Growths Ch. Lafite Rothschild and Ch. Mouton Rothschild in Pauillac, is one of Bordeaux’s most impressive Fifth Growths