2016 Ch Clerc Milon 5eme Cru, Pauillac

Enticing inky depths to the colour, slate tannins that are fully in control, adding precision and power to the cassis fruits. As it opens, the austerity recedes and sweet blackberry and loganberry fruit appear, along with a seamless delivery of cocoa bean, sage, cedar, cigar box, eucalyptus leaf. Once again you are aware that it has retained the character of Clerc Milon's early days, coming friom the natural concentration of the soils, but everything has been magnified and heightened. A profound wine that shows the possibilities contained within this site. Jean-Emmanuel Danjoy technical director, 50% new oak.

97 points Jane Anson

An outstanding Clerc Milon and probably one of the recent best. This shows depth, richness, juiciness, complexity and nice fluidity in the middle. Fine, svelte tannins with graphite, black currant and paprika flavors. Juicy and medium- to full-bodied with a long finish. 55% cabernet sauvignon, 29% merlot, 13% cabernet franc, 2% petit verdot and 1% carmenere. Drink or hold. From a vertical tasting at the chateau.

96 points Zekun Shuai for James Suckling Feb 2026
 
Deep dark ruby, opaque core, discreet brightening at the rim, fine fruits of the forest jam, a hint of cassis and blackberry, subtle fine oak spice. Juicy, pronounced berry fruit, fine, integrated tannins, a hint of nougat, highly elegant, long lasting, very balanced; a wine that promises many decades of drinking pleasure.

95 points Falstaff

Standing alongside some of the world's most celebrated vineyards, Château Clerc Milon has become one of Pauillac's great success stories. Acquired by Baron Philippe de Rothschild in 1970, the estate has been transformed into one of Bordeaux's finest Fifth Growths, combining the power and precision of Pauillac with the elegance and refinement that define the Rothschild winemaking philosophy. Today, it ranks among the Médoc's most sought after classified growths.

The magnificent 2016 vintage is recognised as one of Bordeaux's greatest, producing fruit of extraordinary purity, concentration and balance. The estate's deep gravel soils yielded Cabernet Sauvignon of remarkable intensity, while meticulous vineyard management and careful élevage created a wine that is both classically structured and beautifully approachable. Even in its youth, the harmony and precision of the vintage are unmistakable.

Deep garnet with youthful ruby highlights, the bouquet reveals layers of cassis, blackberry and black cherry intertwined with cedar, graphite and cigar box. As the wine evolves, notes of violets, pencil shavings, dark chocolate and subtle spice emerge, adding complexity and classic Pauillac character. The palate is refined yet powerful, delivering concentrated black fruits framed by cashmere fine tannins, vibrant freshness and a beautifully defined mineral backbone. Long, seamless and impeccably balanced, the finish lingers with savoury depth, cedar and remarkable persistence.

An exceptional partner for Chateaubriand, roast lamb, venison, duck with black truffle or mature Comté. Already deeply impressive with extended decanting, this outstanding Pauillac has the pedigree and structure to reward patient collectors for decades.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2052.