Clerc Milon 2012

vinous93

Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni

The 2012 Clerc Milon is dark, bold and exuberant in the glass. Plums, black cherries, tobacco and graphite are all pushed forward. Even with its considerable creaminess and overall depth, the 2012 has plenty of tannin lurking underneath, so readers would be well served cellaring the wine for at least a few years.

vinous90

Reviewed by: Ian d'Agata

(60% cabernet sauvignon, 29% merlot, 9% cabernet franc, 1% petit verdot and 1% carmenère): Bright ruby-red. Red berries and sweet spices on the perfumed, open nose, complicated by cocoa and coffee nuances. Bright and fresh on the palate, with a spicy mineral overlay to the red and dark berry flavors. Finishes sweet, supple and long, with smooth tannins. This potentially outstanding Clerc Milon comes across as fleshy and rich; I would have guessed it contained a lot more merlot than 29%. Very good stuff in the context of the vintage.

robert_parker89

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

This attractive, medium-bodied Pauillac reveals tough tannins as well as hints of herbs and underbrush. A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc and the rest Carmenere and Petit Verdot, it was angular when I tasted it in March, and, like many Medocs, it seems to err on the side of austerity and the lack of mid-palate charm. Its upbringing in barrel will help somewhat, but just how much remains to be seen.

robert_parker93

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The Clerc Milon 2012 was tasted on two visits to the property, several days apart. It is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon (the highest percentage for 15 years and picked ten days later than the usual date), 29% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot, 1% Carmenere and 9% Cabernet Franc picked between 1st and 16th October. It is matured in 40-45% new oak. Immediately, the aromatics are much more convincing than the d’Armailhac with ebullient ripe blackberry, raspberry and tobacco aromas that are well defined and vigorous. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, supple tannins and well integrated new oak that is in synch with the fruit. This is a superb Clerc-Milon for the vintage with a silky smooth, harmonious finish. Excellent. Tasted April 2013.

robert_parker92

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

This is another strong effort from the Mouton Rothschild stable and its excellent administrator Philippe Dhalluin. The 2012 Clerc Milon has an almost blackish-blue opaque color, soft tannins, ripe notes of blackcurrants, licorice and subtle background oak. There is an attractive floral, licorice quality to the fruit. The wine is medium to full-bodied and beautifully pure with ripe tannin. It is soft enough to be approachable in several years and should drink well for 20.

vinous93

Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni

The 2012 Clerc Milon is dark, bold and exuberant in the glass. Plums, black cherries, tobacco and graphite are all pushed forward. Even with its considerable creaminess and overall depth, the 2012 has plenty of tannin lurking underneath, so readers would be well served cellaring the wine for at least a few years.

james_suckling92

Reviewed by: James Suckling

This has a savory and juicy character to it that many wines in the Medoc lacked in 2012. Full body, with creamy tannins and a rich finish. Pretty finish too. 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 9% Franc,1% Petit Verdot, and 1% Carmenere.

james_suckling93

Reviewed by: James Suckling

Blueberry, chocolate and stone aromas with undertones of flowers follow through to a full body, cream tannins and a clean finish. Concentrated for the vintage. Pure fruit. Needs three to four years to soften. Better in 2017.