Wine Advisor
Clerc Milon 2007
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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: Neal Martin
Tasted blind at the 2007 Bordeaux horizontal in Southwold. The Clerc Milon has a light redcurrant and raspberry leaf/graphite bouquet that lacks some vigour. It is just a little dusty. The palate has a soft entry, rounded red-berried fruit with a touch of red cherry, lower acidity than its peers with a soft, quite creamy finish. This seems to be mellowing now it is in bottle, but it does not have the complexity of other vintages. Tasted January 2011.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
Tasted at the UGC in London. Very classically-lined nose with cedar, earth, pencil box all with fine definition, then a touch of smoke and fruit cake developing with time. The palate has good weight, a little lean compared to the 2008 but nice balance, quite simple for Clerc-Milon, perhaps not meeting the promise of the nose. This is more austere than before, but focused towards the finish. Drink now-2018. Tasted November 2009.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
This is strange because Clerc Milon tastes more like d’Armailhac and vice versa. The nose is very ripe, for me, lacking the delineation and vigour of d’Armailhac with notes of summer fruits, a touch of fresh prune plus a hint of shellfish. The palate is medium-bodied, very cohesive with physiologically ripe tannins. After five minutes in glass the nose begins reverting back to the normal Clerc-Milon – less ripe but the Cabernet becoming more pronounced. The palate is very fine texture with notes of blackberry, blueberry and a touch of Doris plum on the crisp, clean finish. Again, classy, perhaps a little mercurial at this primordial stage, but an interesting Clerc-Milon. Tasted April 2008.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
This impressive effort reveals more layers of flavor than most 2007s. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by notes of black currants, coffee, and white chocolate, medium to full body, surprising density and purity, and a very good finish. Drink it over the next 10-12 years.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
A blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, 1% Carmenere and 7% Cabernet Franc, the 2007 has a lifted bouquet with vibrant red berry fruit, though compared to the previous vintage it is very linear and does not have the same delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannins and superb race. Here the Clerc Milon comes into its own, with a harmonious, beautifully poised, pure finish. This is actually drinking very well now, although it will last another decade. Drink now-2023. Tasted April 2013.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
Tasted at BI Wine & Spirits' 10-Years-On tasting, the 2007 Clerc Milon did not quite display the cohesion of the d'Armailhac on the nose, seeming a little fatigued in comparison. The palate is medium-bodied with straightforward rustic red berry fruit, more ferrous than I expected but with good acidity, a dash of cracked black pepper on the finish. You might describe this as a "solid" and "dependable" Clerc Milon, although compared side-by-side to its stablemate, the 2007 d'Armailhac may have the brighter future. Tasted February 2017.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Rated - No tasting note given.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
Tasted at Mouton-Rothschild. The nose is quite tight, stony, a touch of leaves but I am impressed by its clarity and focus that has come into its own over the last six months. Touches of blackberry, bilberry and blueberry with minerals just off-stage. Very attractive. The palate has a very cohesive entry, thick tannins, firm structure all backed up with impressive ripeness. Black toasty fruit, a touch of cedar and cigar box leading to a very satisfying mouth-coating finish. This is certainly an excellent 2007 and I suspect represents relatively good value. Drink 2010-2018+ Tasted September 2008.
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)1999(1)2000(5)2001(4)2003(2)2004(2)2005(3)2006(8)
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