Pastourelle de Clerc Milon 2016

The 2016 Pastourelle de Clerc Milon is absolutely gorgeous. All of the pedigree of this great vintage comes through in a rich, juicy wine endowed with striking textural resonance and depth. Floral and spice notes lift the dark red and purplish berry fruit in a supple, racy Pauillac that will drink beautifully whenever Clerc Milon decides to release it. The Pastourelle is 52% Merlot and 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the Merlot very much front and center. As a reminder, the Pastourelle is mostly sold into the restaurant wine trade and is released when the château deems it ready to drink, which is usually a few years later than the other wines in the Mouton stable.

Blackberry and blueberry aromas and flavors with light walnut and bark character. Full-bodied, juicy and savory with a focused, firm wall of tannins. Needs two or three years of bottle age. Second wine of Clerc Milon. Try in 2023.

The 2016 Pastourelle de Clerc Milon is blended of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon and 48% Merlot aged exclusively in one-year-old barrels. It has a deep garnet-purple color and features a classic nose of cedar chest, cassis and pencil lead with hints of tobacco, redcurrants, warm plums and bay leaves. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers a great intensity of red and black fruit flavors with a firm frame of ripe, grainy tannins and lovely freshness, finishing with an herbal lift.