At a glance

Producer

Château Clerc Milon

Region

Pauillac, Bordeaux, France

Grape variety

Cabernet Sauvignon (dominant), Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Carmenère

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$90-$120/bottle (release price, top retailer average)

Tasting profile

Dense cassis, black cherry, graphite, cedar, and tobacco leaf; fine floral note, classic Pauillac pencil shavings; the palate is tightly-knit and tannic but with beautiful depth and intensity.

Evolution: As it ages: leathery undertones, truffle, cigar box, dried herb, and savory earth, retaining core dark fruit.

At peak: At peak, highly aromatic with tertiary complexity, melting tannins, seamless elegance and persistent Pauillac minerality.

Structure

Acidity

Medium to medium-high, providing excellent freshness

Tannins

High, finely-textured, powerful and ripe

Alcohol

Approx. 13.5%-14% ABV

Aging potential

Exceptional; 30-40 years in top storage conditions

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2035 to 2059

Optimal window

2030 to 2062

Current status

Young and robust, suitable for long-term aging

Current condition

Structured, intense and primary; best after significant cellaring

2022 is a powerful, ripe vintage with resilience due to old vines and meticulous viticulture. Like other classified growths from top years, the best bottles will easily show complexity and vitality for at least 25-30 years, peaking as tertiary florals and spice integrate fully. Top critical consensus places this wine in the 2035-2045 prime for those who enjoy classic evolved Bordeaux.

Food pairing

Roast lamb (classic Pauillac pairing), dry-aged ribeye, duck breast with blackberry reduction, wild mushroom ragù, truffled potato gratin, mature hard cheeses.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (2-3 hours (young); 1 hour (mature)) — Youthful tannins and density require aeration for optimal aromatic and textural expression.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Château Clerc Milon has transitioned to sustainable viticulture, with increasing organic practices, partial cover-cropping, integrated pest management, biodiversity preservation, eco-friendly vineyard management, and reduction of chemical inputs. Estate composting, water conservation initiatives and energy efficient winery design are ongoing elements.

Château Clerc Milon is at the forefront of classified Bordeaux sustainability practices but is not fully organic or biodynamic as of 2022. Their HVE3 and Terra Vitis certifications indicate a strong commitment to environmental best practices, significant efforts in reducing chemical use and fostering biodiversity, and a move towards further eco-certification in future vintages. Large-scale distribution and heavy glass packaging remain industry-wide challenges; however, the estate exceeds appellation norms for sustainability and stewardship.