Area under vines: 41 hectares
Soils: Gravel, clayey limestone
Average age of the vines: 52 years
Planting density: 10 000 vines/ha
Ageing: in 30% new oak barrels for 16 to 18 months
Grape varieties:
Second wine: Lacoste Borie
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The 2000 Clerc Milon has a rustic, ferrous bouquet of sous-bois, cedar and tobacco scents and slightly faded fruit; touches of eucalyptus emerge with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with a supple opening and pliant tannins, though there is a touch of coarseness toward the finish. Modest in weight, this is an open-knit, old-school Pauillac that is just beginning to show a little dryness toward the tobacco-dominated finish. Drink this over the next 6-8 years.
Anticipated maturity: 2021-2030
A blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon and 33% Merlot, the millennial Clerc Milon has a slightly lactic, powdered chocolate-scented bouquet that suggests that there is slight dependence on the oak. With time in the glass there is a scent of cold black tea joining the fray. The palate is better with grainy, broad tannins, moderate acidity and a surprisingly autumnal leafiness towards the finish that suggests it is maturing quicker than expected. It is well balanced and harmonious, but it needs more flesh and vigour on the finish. Perhaps this has dipped in recent years? Drink now-2019. Tasted April 2013.
Anticipated maturity: 2014-2019
