| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > Pauillac |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
The 2014 Duhart-Milon is a wine that performs shockingly well, far better than I would have expected given its showing just after bottling. Here, it has a detailed, focused bouquet with graphite infused black fruit, smoke and cedar aromas. Quintessential Pauillac. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit attired with a subtle marine influence, seaweed and oyster shell. I admire the crescendo of this Pauillac, the manner in which it builds in concentration with a precise and quite powerful finish, without losing any of its precision. Superb. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting. 2020 - 2045
Aromas of blackcurrants and sweet tobacco. Wet earth to boot. Full-bodied, tight and chewy with firm and silky tannins and a long and flavorful finish. Needs three or four years to soften. Try drinking in 2021.
Tasted blind. Sweet, rather evolved nose for a charming wine that is for relatively early drinking. Dry tannins on the end but the fruit trumps them. Carefully sculpted.
Drink 2023-2040
This Pauillac is produced by the team who make Lafite, and they have been on top form in recent vintages. 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot. Deep ruby with a slight purple hue at the rim. Crunchy, plummy fruit on the nose, which is refined and pure. Good silk and a little plumpness on the palate which is juicy with red cherries and plums, layered with charcoal and brioche, and livened by acidity and firm tannins. There is a real blackcurrant and graphite edge making this a classic Medoc wine. This has good balance and is once again impressive in the Lafite line-up.
This emphasizes vibrant acidity over tannins, giving this a lively, almost brisk feel to the mix of bitter plum, pomegranate and blood orange flavors. Shows fresh bay and tobacco notes in the background, with good stuffing through the finish. Should put on a little weight in the cellar. Best from 2019 through 2029. 18,000 cases made.
Rich black fruits the nose has a brooding depth the start of the palate rich with a mix of sweet ripe cassis and black plum. Lighter in the middle fresh fruit supported by fine tannins the freshness bringing out floral fragrances but it fills out at the back the finish rich and sweet fruited. 2026-38
Sometimes regarded as the poor relation of the Lafite family, Duhart-Milon is very impressive in 2014, showing the restraint and low alcohol levels of the vintage. Stylishly oaked, silky tannins and a long, tapering finish with very pure blackcurrant and cedarwood notes and a refreshing finish.
The 2014 Duhart-Milon-Rothschild is clearly a level up in quality compared to the Moulin de Duhart this year, with ample blackberry and cedar scents on the nose. As I observed from barrel, it is less austere than previous vintages of Duhart. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, plenty of blackberry laced with tobacco, Chinese five spice and just a faint hint of dark chocolate right on the finish. It should drink well over the next 12-15 years. Drink Date 2019-2033
The Château Duhart-Milon 2014 is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Merlot that was picked from 29 until 10 October and 23 until 29 September respectively. It has a more fruit-driven nose than usual, a little less tertiary and austere than the Duhart's of old perhaps. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, quite sappy black fruit and well judged acidity. Nicely focused as usual here with a touch of salinity coming through on the finish. I feel that it is just missing the sense of dimension and authority that a great Duhart can possess, but it retains the aloofness that I admire so much. I will remain cautious for the time being and see how it fills out during its élevage. Drink: 2023-2038.
This is very solid and muscular with dark berries and blueberries. More merlot than normal but shows a serious structure that underlines the excellence of the cabernet. Small production of cabernet here with 45% merlot in the blend.
Mid crimson. Lightly floral nose. Then some real substance and palate weight. Masses of tannins well managed to make a pretty competent medium-weight claret. Nothing showy but well done. Very much in Lafite style. Bone-dry finish with some persistence. Drink 2023-2035
