The history of Chateau Clerc Milon dates back to the early 1800’s. In 1970 Baron Philippe de Rothschild, the owner of Chateau Mouton Rothschild, acquired Clerc Milon and put the Chateau on course to becoming worthy of its 5th growth status in Bordeaux. In 1983, the illustration for the Chateau Clerc Milon label was changed to a pair of dancing clowns made of precious stones. The original art was created by a 16th century German goldsmith. The 45 hectare vineyard of Clerc Milon in Pauillac is planted to 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Carmenere.
This bottle was decanted for about 30 minutes and served with steaks. I bought the wine on release in 2005 or so and the bottle has been cellared properly ever since.
Crimson in color. ABV is noted on the bottle as 11-14%? Prodigious nose of red fruits, leather and scorched earth. Medium to full bodied with ample acidity. Big and plush with searing tannins. Currants, cassis, tobacco and minerals on the palate. Tremendous length on the finish. Perhaps a few telltale signs of the ’03 vintage but this wine is thoroughly enjoyable and drinking beautifully. There is a long life ahead here. Drink over the next decade.
My rating: 93 points.
Chateau Clerc Milon is one of the great values in Pauillac. The 2014 version can be found for about $50 and will certainly drink well for the next decade or two.