Wine Advisor
Clerc Milon 1999
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Description
A wine with considerable ageing potential made in the traditional Médoc way, Château Clerc Milon is the result of a particularly successful marriage between gravel and clay-limestone terroirs and Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes. Powerful, tannic, full-bodied and rich in fruit, it also has all the typical elegance of the finest Pauillac wines.
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
One of Bordeaux's perennial over-achievers, Clerc-Milon's dark ruby/purple-colored 1999 is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, and 18% Cabernet Franc. This supple, low acid, fruit-driven effort reveals roasted spices, black fruits, and creamy new oak in its aromatic and flavor profiles. It will be drinkable upon release, and will age well for 10-12 years.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
A blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot and 18% Cabernet Franc, the latter makes its mark on the savoury nose that you might ascribe to say, Chateau Figeac. It would benefit from more fruit intensity. The palate is medium-bodied, a little pointed and angular with marked acidity that renders the finish a little brusque. This is one vintage where I think a lower acidity would have benefitted the wine. Drink now-2016. Tasted April 2013.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
First tasted March 2000 when there was an odd soapy note on the nose. Tasted again in November 2003: quite high-toned though with a touch of wet pavement and liquorice (no soap!). Palate is rounded, gamey with spicy fruits. Moderate tannins and good grip. The finish is a little hollow. Good but not great.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
A sweet nose of cassis, cedar, chocolate, and smoked herbs is followed by a round, rich, medium to full-bodied, delicious wine. The seductive, complex, low acid, plump 1999 has fleshed out over the last year. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2016.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
This 1999 is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, and 18% Cabernet Franc. The saturated purple-colored 1999 displays a dense, flamboyant bouquet of roasted herbs, cedar, cassis, new saddle leather, and espresso. It is soft, seductive, velvety-textured, and endearing in a concentrated, lush style. It will provide enjoyment for 15-16 years. It is a top effort for the vintage.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
The 1999 Clerc-Milon shows better than a previous example that was part of a vertical in 2013. It has aged more gracefully than the 1999 d’Armailhac on the nose, which features blackberry, juniper berries and just a faint touch of cough candy. The palate is well balanced with good density. This is a broad-shouldered Clerc-Milon, weighty in the mouth, with thick tannin and layers of red fruit laced with peppercorns, spice and cedar toward the finish. While not at the same level as recent vintages, I can see this continuing to age in bottle. Tasted from an ex-château bottle at the estate.
About the Producer
A legendary terroir, prestigious neighbours, a providential encounter: the history and the success of Château Clerc Milon are summed up in these three words. The terroir is that of Pauillac, where some of the world’s finest wines are made. The neighbours are Mouton and Lafite, illustrious First Growths whose nearby vines can be seen from the terrace of the Château. The encounter was with Baron Philippe, who in 1970 acquired the then badly neglected estate and decided to restore it to its status as a Classified Growth. Now, thanks to Baroness Philippine, Clerc Milon, one of the most highly regarded châteaux in the Bordeaux region, can boast technical facilities and reception areas worthy of its reputation.
1949(2)1995(2)1996(2)1998(2)
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