Château Duhart-Milon - Pauillac (Grand Cru Classé) 2015 (750ml)

Add to Wish List

Price: $129.99

Producer	Château Duhart-Milon
Country	France
Region	Bordeaux
Subregion	Pauillac
Varietal	Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage	2015
Sku	102154
Size	750ml
ABV	12.50%

Château Duhart-Milon Description

The Rothschild family acquired Château Duhart-Milon, a “4er Cru” in the 1855 classification, from the Castejas of Pauillac, in 1962. The property was named after the Sieur of Duhart, gun-runner to Louis XIV, who originally owned the property, and from the name of the little hamlet of Milon which separates the Duhart-Milon vineyard from that of Château Lafite. The vineyard covers 188 acres and is planted with the classical cépages of Médoc: Cabernet Sauvignon (67%) and Merlot (33%). The property has been managed since 1962 by a single team that, due to the proximity of the two properties, oversees both Château Lafite Rothschild and Château Duhart-Milon. Both Châteaux use the same traditional techniques based on strict control of yields, harvesting by hand, and numerous manual tasks throughout the year.

In the early 18th century, Pauillac began widespread grape cultivation at the urging of the Lafite lords. The Milon wines served as additional income for Lafite’s master, and became Château Lafite’s second wine. The 1855 classification recognized the quality of Duhart-Milon’s soil by ranking it as the only 4th growth wine in Pauillac. Between 1830 and 1840, the Castéja family was left an inheritance by both Mandavy and the Duhart widow (35 acres). The family thus possessed a 99 acre vineyard that was named Duhart- Milon. The property changed ownership many times over the years and suffered a decline in the quality of its’ wines. The property was named after the Sieur of Duhart, gun-runner to Louis XIV, who originally owned the property, and from the name of the little hamlet of Milon which separates the Duhart-Milon vineyard from Château Lafite.

In 1962, Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) acquired the property from the Castéja family. Since the acquisition by Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) the vineyards have been totally overhauled and the chais renovated. A finishing touch to a remarkable 40 year effort to reclaim the Médoc 4th growth wine ranking for Château Duhart-Milon.

A delicate wine with some oak, but yet very refined and doesn’t dominate. The fruit is subtle and develops after the wine has had some time to breathe. The powerful attack makes way for a rounded, fullbodied mid-palate before finishing on fresh, slightly spicy notes that are a little intense. This wine will benefit greatly from 6 to 8 years in the cellar.

The wine has a beautiful dark garnet color. The nose is deep, with good harmony between the young woodiness characteristic of their TDD barrels and the wine’s fresh fruit. Beautiful notes of licorice. On the palate, it develops quickly and is immediately very present. Consistent and balanced, it continues with tremendous length. The wine has a Pleasant finish with notes of cherries and also has the excellent potential to improve with age. It is a blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon 27% Merlot.

Critical Acclaim

WE95
Wine Enthusiast
Barrel Sample. There are plenty of firm tannins here, although this wine succeeds because of the intense acidity and classic black currant flavors. It is already a delicious wine with its fine acidity and lively aftertaste.
Barrel Sample: 93-95 Points
JS93
James Suckling
The smoke, almond, dark-berry and plum character is impressive to this young Duhart. Full body, round and silky tannins and beautiful fruit and spice undertones. Plenty of coffee and cedar flavors at the end. A pretty Duhart. Needs four or five years bottle age.
D92
Decanter
Fine, firm 73% Cabernet fruit with a brambly middle ripeness from 27% Merlot. Shows polish, depth and a restrained elegance – a firm, classy wine with a fine future.
Barrel Sample.
RP90
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Composed of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon and 27% Merlot and aged for 14 months in barrels, 50% new, the 2015 Duhart-Milon has a medium to deep garnet-purple color and an open, expressive nose of warm red currants, black raspberries and spice cake with nuances of cedar chest, bay leaves and tobacco plus a waft of rose hips. Medium-bodied, vibrant and refreshing in the mouth, it has a good amount of chewy tannins and layers of lively red and black fruits, finishing on an earthy note.
JD90
Jeb Dunnuck
The 2015 Duhart Milon is a surprisingly charming, elegant and medium-bodied Pauillac that’s 73% Cabernet Sauvignon and 27% Merlot that was brought up in 40% new French oak. With perfumed notes of spice-box, cedarwood, toast, and sweet black currant fruit, it has sweet tannin and is already accessible, yet will cruise for two decades.