Duhart Milon Rothschild 2012

This property has enjoyed the considerable investments from the Rothschild family and the quality of the wines over the last generation has been increasingly impressive. I’ve always written that if you can’t afford Lafite Rothschild, why not try Duhart Milon, which is not far off the quality of its much more famous neighbor. Spicy, deep ruby/purple with notes of cassis, cedar wood and spice box, the wine is soft, round, juicy, medium-bodied and ideal for drinking now and over the next 15 or so years. It is not one of their finest efforts, but it is certainly well-made, supple-textured and seductive. Drink: 2015-2030.

Tasted en primeur at the château. The Duhart Milon is a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon and 38% Merlot cropped between 27th September and 17th October. It has a tightly wound bouquet that demands coaxing (perhaps because of the low pressure that day.) There are broody black fruit, sous-bois and graphite, but missing a little vigour. The palate is medium-bodied with a saline note on the entry. The tannins are quite fine, though it is missing a little weight in the mid-palate and on the finish. It is an understated Duhart, one that will be more approachable that other recent vintages. Tasted April 2013.

Showing well at 10 years old. Liquorice root, cassis, bilberry, leather, cigar box, tar, cloves and turmeric spices. Fairly serious in character, as is often the case with Duhart, this feels like old school Pauillac and has its charm as a result.

62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot. A little deeper than Carruades. Very light nose indeed. Quite a strong palate impact. Very firm and quite complex. Veering towards St-Estèphe austerity. Admirable restraint. Hums on the finish. I do like this. Suave.

Denser in colour than its stable mate Lafite, but with less new oak, this is another success
for Charles Chevalier and his team in 2012. Fresh and attractive with sweet oak, good
balance, medium weight tannins and textured graphite and blackberry fruit. The acidity is
particularly well handled here.
Drink: 2020-30