2023 Château Clerc Milon Grand Cru Classé Pauillac

The 2023 Château Clerc Milon Grand Cru Classé Pauillac is a refined and modern expression of one of Bordeaux’s most consistently impressive classed growths. Nestled between the great estates of Mouton Rothschild and Lafite Rothschild, Clerc Milon has long been prized for its combination of Pauillac power and polished elegance. The 2023 vintage continues this trajectory, offering a wine with depth, precision and a clear sense of place that will appeal both to collectors and to those discovering top-flight Pauillac for the first time.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2023 Château Clerc Milon shows a deep, youthful ruby-purple hue, hinting at its concentration and energy. The nose opens with classic Pauillac notes of cassis and crushed blackberries, followed by graphite, cedar shavings and subtle tobacco leaf, with hints of violets and dark chocolate emerging with air. There is a fine, cool-fruited precision to the aromatics that speaks to the freshness of the vintage. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied with a sleek, harmonious profile. Ripe blackcurrant and black cherry are framed by finely grained tannins and a vibrant line of acidity, giving both structure and lift. Flavors of plum, graphite, pencil shavings and a touch of cigar box are layered with discreet oak spice, showing excellent integration even in its youth. The finish is long, pure and mineral-tinged, promising graceful evolution. While approachable after some years in bottle, the 2023 has the balance and structure to age comfortably for 12–20 years, gaining complexity and tertiary notes of leather, truffle and forest floor over time.

Production
Château Clerc Milon lies in the heart of Pauillac on well-drained gravel ridges over limestone and clay—classic Cabernet country that naturally moderates vigor and concentrates flavor. The vineyard is planted predominantly to Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and a rare parcel of Carmenère, which adds a distinctive aromatic lift. Grapes are typically hand-harvested in small lots, with strict selection in both vineyard and chai to ensure only the healthiest, ripest fruit is used. Vinification is parcel-by-parcel in temperature-controlled vats, allowing each terroir to express its character before blending. The wine is then matured in French oak barriques (a proportion new) to add finesse and structure without overwhelming the purity of the fruit, resulting in a Pauillac that balances power with precision.

Food & Serving
The 2023 Château Clerc Milon is a natural match for classic, richly flavored dishes—think roast lamb with rosemary, dry-aged ribeye, venison or beef Wellington. It also pairs beautifully with duck breast, game birds, truffled poultry or hearty mushroom dishes such as wild mushroom ragù and lentils. Mature hard cheeses like aged Comté, Manchego or a well-aged cheddar will complement its structure and savory complexity. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F); if opened in its youth, decant for 1–2 hours to allow the tannins to soften and the bouquet to fully unfold. With more bottle age, a gentle 30–45 minute decant will be sufficient to remove sediment and open the wine.

Producer
Château Clerc Milon is a celebrated Grand Cru Classé of Pauillac, classified in 1855 and owned by the Rothschild family (Baron Philippe de Rothschild) since 1970. Historically overshadowed by its illustrious neighbors, Mouton Rothschild and Lafite Rothschild, Clerc Milon has, over recent decades, been transformed into one of the overachievers of the Médoc through meticulous vineyard work and significant investment in winemaking facilities. Its vineyards occupy some of the most prized gravelly terroirs of Pauillac, and the estate is particularly noted for its use of Carmenère, a rarity in Bordeaux, which contributes to its unique aromatic profile. Today, Château Clerc Milon is widely recognized for producing wines that combine classic Pauillac structure and longevity with a modern sense of polish and accessibility, making it a reference point for quality in the appellation.

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