Pastourelle de Clerc Milon, Pauillac

Key characteristics:

Pastourelle de Clerc Milon, Pauillac is the elegant second wine of the esteemed Château Clerc Milon, a Fifth Growth from the 1855 Classification. It is crafted to be approachable and fruit-forward, offering a delightful introduction to the estate’s renowned style and the quintessential Pauillac identity.

Tasting Notes:

• Variety: 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Merlot
• Appearance: Garnet red with a ruby hue.
• Aroma: The wine initially has a discreet and elegant nose which opens up with airing to reveal succulent aromas of brandied morello cherries mingled with peppery, minty notes. Further aeration may reveal enticing notes of red and black fruits, white pepper, and vanilla.
• Taste: From a substantial and powerful attack, the mid-palate reveals a close-knit, creamy texture set off by well-integrated, structured tannins. The succulence hinted at on the nose is expressed in black fruit and mocha notes, leading into an opulent finish which underlines the wine’s complexity, with a juicy and generous palate, lively acidity, and notes of kirsch and cocoa.
• Region: Pauillac, France. This prestigious appellation on Bordeaux’s Left Bank is celebrated for its deep sandy gravel soils over clay-limestone, providing excellent drainage and optimal ripening for Cabernet Sauvignon. Situated between two First Growths, Château Clerc Milon benefits from this exceptional terroir, producing powerful, structured, and long-lived red wines.
• Pairing: Perfect for a variety of meat dishes and game. It also pairs wonderfully with veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game birds, chicken, and is versatile enough for Asian dishes, mushrooms, and pasta, including slow-cooked Pauillac lamb with thyme jus.

Overall impression:

This full-bodied red wine offers an elegant and indulgent experience, characterized by its seamless freshness, rich fruit, and intricate complexity. It is an ideal representation of Pauillac’s distinguished character, crafted for both immediate enjoyment and appreciation of its depth.

Extra notes:

• Pastourelle de Clerc Milon is the second wine of Château Clerc Milon, an 1855 Pauillac Classified Growth, reflecting the estate’s continuous quest for excellence.
• The name “Pastourelle” is inspired by a traditional dance, echoing the pair of dancers that adorn the Grand Vin’s label. This emblem, chosen by Baroness Philippine de Rothschild, stems from her love of theatre and a precious miniature from the Museum of Wine in Art at Château Mouton Rothschild.