2018 Chateau Clerc Milon - 5eme Cru Pauillac

*The progression of this property continues to be evident in the glass with a beautiful classicism, full of life and layers comprising dark spice and touches of black pepper against blueberry and cool fruits, pumped up by black chocolate and liquorice. It’s confident and clearly has a fierce quality to the tannins giving a long life ahead of it. The harvest started on September 17, one week later than Mouton because of its cooler terroir, with the blend completed by 3% Petit Verdot and 1% Carmanère. This is the last vintage with Jean-Emmanuel Donjoy at the helm as he’s making his way over to Mouton-Rothschild to work alongside Philippe Dhalluin. A tough gig to turn down of course, but I will miss the work he has done here and look forward to seeing what his successor will add.* (96/100)

Falstaff Magazin Juni 2019 - 95 pts: *Dunkles Rubingranat, violette Reflexe, zarte Randaufhellung. Zart floral unterlegte Nuancen von Herzkirschen, en Hauch von Orangenzesten, attraktives Bukett. Saftig, extraktsüße, reife Kirschen, rund, harmonische Tannine, verfügt über gute Länge, süßer Nachhall, gutes Reifepotenzial.*

*The 2018 Clerc Milon is composed of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot and 1% Carménère. Grapes were harvested a bit later here than at Mouton, from September 17 to October 10. Deep garnet-purple colored, it leaps from the glass with bold scents of warm cassis, blackberry compote and dark chocolate with hints of Morello cherries, baking spices and dried roses plus a waft of underbrush. It has a wonderfully rich, confidently sensuous palate with plenty of spicy layers and a velvety texture, finishing long and perfumed. This should age incredibly.* (93-95/100)

Vinum Magazin – 17,5/20pts: *Besitzt aromatische Komplexität, Mineralität und grosse Rasse, langes, unglaublich fruchtiges Finale, erstklassiges, knackiges Tannin: superb, abgefüllt 18 Punkte wert!*- 06/2019

Weinwisser – 19/20pts - WL: *60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot, 1% Carmenére. Sattes dunkles Purpurgranat mit lila Rand. Reifes Brombeerbouquet, Lakritze und Veilchen. Im zweiten Ansatz viel Cassis und Korinthen. Am rahmigen Gaumen mit opulentem Körper und herrlich süssem Extrakt. Im gebündelten, nachhaltigen Finale eine Explosion eines blauen Beerencocktails, schwarze Johannisbeerdrops und Schokopralinen. Grossartige Leistung, auf dem gleichen Niveau wie der phänomenale 2009er!* - 04/2019

*This is well-built, with a sleek and persistent structure carrying energetic cassis, damson plum, violet and iron notes. Offers a long, pure, almost chiseled finish. A strong showing.-J.M.* (93-96/100)

JancisRobinson.com – 16+/20pts – TP: *Deep ruby colour. Fresh and clean nose of ripe plums and cherries with a little sweet spice. Refined winemaking in evidence here, fine but grippy tannins, bright acidity and fleshy red fruits. The spice is slightly exotic but in keeping with the overall impression of the wine.* - 10/2020

JamesSuckling.com - 95-96pts - JS: *Very generous and dense with layers of gorgeous blackberries and blueberries. Full-bodied and so layered with fantastic tannin backbone at the same time.*
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JamesSuckling.com - 95pts - JS: *Blackcurrants, tobacco, graphite, cloves and dried leaves on the nose. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, tightly knit tannins. Structured and compact with a long, mineral finish. Tight and austere. Very pretty structure here. Wait until 2025.* - 01/2021

Vinous.com - 92pts - NM: *The 2018 Clerc Milon has a nicely detailed bouquet of blackberry, raspberry, light cassis and iodine aromas gently unfurling from the glass, the new oak neatly integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with graphite-infused black fruit. Quite a strict and linear Clerc Milon, it is classic Pauillac from start to finish. The pencil-lead-tinged, quite sinewy finish lingers wonderfully. Give this 3-4 years in bottle and then serve with a simple meat dish.* - 03/2021

*This spicy wine has an undertone of oak that adds to the richness. While there is a dense blackberry flavor, the bright acidity shines through to lighten it up. It´s a fine wine with plenty of aging potential.* (93-95/100)