Pastourelle de Clerc Milon Pauillac 2018 750ml

Robert - Wine Specialist, Pasadena

Pastourelle de Clerc Milon is the second wine of Château Clerc Milon, one of Pauillac’s historic Fifth Growth estates, classified in 1855. The château has been under the stewardship of the Rothschild family since 1970, when Baron Philippe de Rothschild initiated a comprehensive revitalization of the vineyards and winemaking facilities, establishing Clerc Milon as one of the most consistent and refined crus of the appellation.
 

The name “Clerc Milon” originates from early owner Jean-Baptiste Clerc and the village of Milon, located at the heart of Pauillac. Over the decades, the estate has earned a reputation for producing wines of precision, balance, and classical Pauillac character. Pastourelle de Clerc Milon was first produced in the late 2000s and late introduced as a distinct, named cuvée in the mid-2010s. Crafted from the same terroirs as the Grand Vin, it offers a more approachable and fruit-forward expression of the estate, designed for earlier enjoyment while remaining true to the structure and elegance of Clerc Milon.   The name “Pastourelle” reflects the artistic heritage of Château Clerc Milon. Historically, a pastourelle referred to a form of medieval sung poetry and later a traditional dance figure, echoing the estate’s longstanding association with culture, music, and movement.

The wine is an intense, crimson-hued garnet red. The solar, expressive nose exudes blackcurrant and blackberry aromas, then with airing goes on to reveal toasted and spice notes which mingle pleasantly with succulent, ripe black fruit. From a generously flavored attack, the mid-palate reveals smooth, fleshy tannins combined with a close-knit body on licorice and chocolate notes, leading into a long and balanced finish which recalls the freshness of the fruit.

92 Points James Suckling

“A pretty red with lovely density and intensity, offering lead pencil, blackcurrants and cherries. Medium-bodied with firm tannins and a fresh finish. Second wine of Clerc Milon. Drink or hold.”

91 Points Vinous

“A pretty red with lovely density and intensity, offering lead pencil, blackcurrants, and cherries. Medium-bodied with firm tannins and a fresh finish. Second wine of Clerc Milon. Drink or hold.”