2022, Château Clerc-Milon, PAUILLAC, 5ème Grand Cru Classé

Bordeaux Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot (2%), Carmènere (1%)

This classed growth Pauillac (5th Growth) has been made by the Mouton Rothschild team since its purchase by the late Baron Philippe in 1970.

The 2022 Clerc Milon is beautiful, offering up aromas of cherries, raspberries and plums mingled with hints of pencil shavings and rose petals. Medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated, it's taut and lively, with a vibrant core of fruit framed by fine, chalky tannins. Its clay-limestone terroir lends it a distinctive signature that sets it apart from the rest of the portfolio. 93-95 William Kelley, Wine Advocate.

The depths are evident in the velvety texture and colour, and it stretches out through the palate with slow confidence. Plenty of grip and supple tannins that cradle the cassis and bilberry fruit, studded with olive, cocoa bean, white pepper, slate, clear spice, intense phenolics and this is excellent quality. Caroline Artaud technical director. 95 Jane Anson, Decanter.

Fragrant, perfumed black berries and purple flowers. Smells intense and concentrated, deep, dark and rich. Bold and characterful from the first sip, supple and generous, a lovely shot of strawberry and red cherry fruit gives the tang and immediate excitement while the tannins, stoney and cool, enter and give the frame and focus for the finish. Really well made, great drive but plush at the same time, it’s silky yet well defined and also weighty and forward. A big mouthful that is just so juicy and fun, lively, expressive, well worked and so easy. Super accessible and really enjoyable with the sweet juicy tang that I adore and stony minerality on the finish that is moreish. 95 Georgina Hindle, Decanter.

Layered sweet red fruits on the nose intermingle with notes of hedgerow, dry undergrowth and menthol. The palate is creamy on entry, with flavours of summer pudding and kirsch together with a slightly warming liquorice note. This is succulent, with beautifully cloaked tannins. A juicy, fine and long Clerc Milon, tamed by savoury hints that keep everything in balance. 92-95 Thomas Parker MW, Farr Vintners, London.

Drinking Window:  2028 - 2048