2009 Château Clerc Milon
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Tasting notes
Touch of reduction at first, but as it opens this just sings with purity of cassis, bilberry, blackberry puree, liqourice root, chocolate drops, earth. Speaks with the same voice as the great early vintages of 1982, 1990 but with more precision, depth and clarity, a brilliant vintage that is tasting so good right now. A significant year in Clerc Milon's history also - Jean-Emmaneul Danjoy arived from Opus One, giving Clerc its own dedicated team for the first time, and the new cellar was officially unveiled, meaning it was possible to separately vinify the Petit Verdot and Carmanère, that had been co-fermented until this point. The second wine Pastourelle de Clerc Milon was also introduced this year, further increasing selection. Harvest September 23 to 13 October, 50% new oak.
Critic scores
James Suckling
Wine Spectator
More reviews and scores
The 2009 Clerc-Milon has a rather conservative bouquet that seems to have closed down in recent years, yet retains fine delineation with blackberry, wild hedgerow and subtle cassis, almost ink-like aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin, surprisingly high in acidity given the vintage with a slightly muddled finish. I have encountered better bottles. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners’ 2009 Bordeaux tasting.
The 2009 Clerc-Milon has more richness and depth than the d’Armailhac: black cherries, blueberry, cedar and touches of mint. This has a lot of generosity. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a fine bead of acidity, fresh and harmonious with a persistent peppery finish that lingers in the mouth. (NM)
About the producer
Ch. Clerc Milon was purchased by Baron Philippe Rothschild in 1970. Today the 41-hectare vineyard, sandwiched between First Growths Ch. Lafite Rothschild and Ch. Mouton Rothschild in Pauillac, is one of Bordeaux’s most impressive Fifth Growths