Pastourelle de Clerc Milon Pauillac 75cl, 13.5%

In a nutshell:
Mature and complex Pauillac from the classified growth Chateau Clerc Milon, part of the Baron Philippe de Rothschild estates.

The lowdown:
Chateau Clerc Milon can trace its history back to before the Revolution and even as far ago as 1855 was deemed worthy of classification as a great Chateau. However during the mid twentieth century the estate had halved in size and had lost some of its reputation but was then bought by Baron Philippe de Rothschild of neighbouring Chateau Mouton-Rothschild (one of Clerc Milon’s other neighbours is the equally illustrious Chateau Lafite-Rothschild). The estate has undergone a massive transformation over the last few decades and has been brought back to its former glory, that the vineyards, the terroir demand.

Pastourelle de Clerc Milon is the estates second wine, with the 2010 being only the second release, and comes from those same vineyards made by the same team in the same winery. A blend of Cabernets Sauvignon and Franc, and Merlot, the wine is deep garnet in the glass. Aromas of dark fruits, cedar, touches of chocolate and dried flowers lead onto a smooth and complex medium-full body. Maturing nicely there are deep, developed dark fruit notes with savoury spice, drying tannins and balanced acidity followed by a long length.

When to drink:
Drink now through to 2030.