| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > Pauillac |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
This classed growth Pauillac has been made by the Mouton Rothschild team since its purchase by the late Baron Philippe in 1970. The vineyards sit in the north east sector of the Pauillac appellation. Always a serious wine, it has been much improved in recent vintages. The vineyard is planted with 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Carmenère.
The 2002 is 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 1% Carmenere. Maturation in 55% new oak. 14.5% alcohol.
Aromas of sweet crème de cassis, licorice, violets and creamy new oak introduce the 2022 Clerc Milon, a full-bodied, rich and layered wine that's deep and vibrant, with ripe, integrated tannins and lively acids, concluding with a long finish. As I wrote en primeur, its clay-limestone terroir lends it a distinctive signature that sets it apart from the rest of the portfolio. 2027 - 2055
The 2022 Clerc Milon was shaded by the d'Armailhac when compared out of barrel. That is still the case in bottle. This is more backward and a little taciturn by comparison, though still attractive with blackberry, wild hedgerow and touches of iodine. The palate is medium-bodied with quite a succulent, fleshy opening. It is a more approachable Clerc Milon than other vintages, though d'Armailhac just has a tad more complexity and joie-de-vivre. 2030 - 2055
Layered sweet red fruits on the nose intermingle with notes of hedgerow, dry undergrowth and menthol. The palate is creamy on entry, with flavours of summer pudding and kirsch together with a slightly warming liquorice note. This is succulent, with beautifully cloaked tannins. A juicy, fine and long Clerc Milon, tamed by savoury hints that keep everything in balance.
So much Pauillac character with lead pencil, currants and red fruit. Orange peel and slightly burnt oranges. Medium-bodied, this has creamy and crunchy tannins as well as dried citrus and a flavorful finish. Lovely drive to this exquisite, energetic wine. Drink after 2028.
The 2022 Clerc Milon is a blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Carmenere. Deep garnet-purple in color, it races out with vivacious notes of fresh blackcurrants, black raspberries, and boysenberries, leading to touches of bay leaves, Indian spices, and garrigue. The full-bodied palate is packed with black fruit and savory layers, framed by firm, grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long with an herbal lift. pH 3.83, TPI 74.
Depth and dark intensity of the colour from the first moment, slate texture to the tannins and dark cocoa-dusted damsons and cassis, vivid fruit quality, with black olives, spiced cumin and turmeric, mint leaf and eucalyptus. This is wet stone, salinity, dynamic quality, a great wine in this extreme vintage. Plenty of ageing capacity ahead. Caroline Artaud technical director, 50% new oak.
59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, 1% Carmenère. Cask sample.
Rich and concentrated with layered fruit on the palate. Round and generous but with a chalky, minerally freshness. Tannins suave but finishes a little dry (oak not fully integrated?). Plenty of power. (JL) 14.5%
Drink 2030– 2045
The 2022 Clerc Milon is beautiful, offering up aromas of cherries, raspberries and plums mingled with hints of pencil shavings and rose petals. Medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated, it's taut and lively, with a vibrant core of fruit framed by fine, chalky tannins. Its clay-limestone terroir lends it a distinctive signature that sets it apart from the rest of the portfolio.
The 2022 Clerc Milon, matured in 55% new oak with 14.6% alcohol, has a very tightly-wound nose at the moment. There's good fruit concentration, but it is missing a bit of personality, unlike its stablemate d'Armailhac. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins and good grip. It's pretty dense and grainy in texture. With graphite on the aftertaste, this Pauillac conveys fine tension but will require several years of aging in bottle. I feel this is hiding its virtues at the moment. 2030-2055
Focused and bright with plenty of fruit but oranges and minerals in the mid-palate. Really fresh with a fresh bitterness.
The depths are evident in the velvety texture and colour, and it stretches out through the palate with slow confidence. Plenty of grip and supple tannins that cradle the cassis and bilberry fruit, studded with olive, cocoa bean, white pepper, slate, clear spice, intense phenolics and this is excellent quality. Caroline Artaud technical director. Old vine Carmanère no doubt helps add the spice and eucalyptus edge. 63% of production in this wine, 55% new oak, 3.83ph. 37hl/h yield.
