Château Clerc Milon Pauillac 2025 - 5ème Grand Cru Classé (Primeurs)

Along with Armailhac, this is the Rothschild family’s (Mouton) other Fifth Growth. Long overshadowed by its elder sibling, Mouton, and lacking a bit of character, it has regained its identity since the 2000s thanks to more rigorous and tailored management. A new, highly original winery—built entirely of wood in accordance with strict environmental specifications—now allows this superb Pauillac fifth growth to be vinified and aged under optimal conditions. Its terroir is clayier than that of the Mouton plateau, lending greater richness of expression to the Merlot grape, which is used here in a higher proportion.

On the nose, aromas of raspberries and red cherries, enhanced by notes of rose petals. Juicy and lively, it immediately exudes a beautiful energy and great vibrancy; very generous and full-bodied, it reveals a slightly darker character on the palate, with notes of dark chocolate, licorice, and blackcurrant, as well as hints of cedar and a slight bitterness. But its acidity is just as pronounced, giving it real dynamism. Energetic, with mineral-tinged acidity. Dynamic and vibrant, with a beautiful tannic structure—lively and utterly captivating. 1% Carménère and 1% Petit Verdot round out the blend. 2033–2050

Formerly owned by Lafite, this classified growth was acquired during the Revolution by the Clerc family, who added the name of a hamlet in Pauillac to their own, and then by Baron Philippe de Rothschild in 1970. Located between Mouton and Lafite, in the northeastern part of the appellation, it features a 41-hectare vineyard situated on prime terroir (primarily the Mousset hilltop overlooking the Gironde River) and a new winery completed in 2011.

 

More dense than its neighbor Armailhac, with a profile defined by its clay soils. The fruit is dark, deep, and well-integrated, supported by a creamy, full-bodied palate. Beautiful length, impressive presence, and a savory finish with generous, expressive fruit.

This château is part of the Rothschild (Mouton) estate portfolio. It’s always fascinating to compare it to its sibling, Armailhac. Produced by the same team, the second wine embraces a classic style, with a significant proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon in its blend, while the first wine relies on a higher proportion of Merlot. After a period of ups and downs, the wine has returned to its best form, with better-defined concentration and velvety texture. The recent construction of a fermentation tank and a wine cellar has allowed the estate to take things even further.

The Clerc Milon 2025 was aged in 55% new oak. Its aging is clearly evident, but it isn’t the focus of its profile; it’s an element that does exactly what’s expected of it: it carries the overall aroma profile and allows the details to shine. Hints of graphite are followed by notes of toast and then floral nuances. Everything is well-balanced, with no excesses, yet highly refined, resulting in a cohesive profile that celebrates olfactory harmony. On the palate, restraint is the order of the day. It’s clear that the extraction was measured and controlled, and that the terroir fostered the fine-grained texture of the tannins. These tannins, in fact, provide an equal balance of finesse and power. A linear, full-bodied, powerful, and invigorating wine. A concentrated burst of energy with finesse, character, and persistence. A contemporary and serene Clerc Milon with a dazzling, sparkling, and enticing finish! 2032–2060