Wines Pauillac Château Hart-Milon - 2023

Viniou Reviews

Château Hart-Milon 2023, from the esteemed Pauillac appellation in the Médoc region of Bordeaux, epitomises the classic style of left-bank Bordeaux reds. Predominantly crafted from Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot and perhaps small portions of Cabernet Franc or Petit Verdot as blending partners, this young vintage promises a deep ruby hue and an aromatic profile typical of the area. Despite its youth, you can expect expressive notes of cassis, black cherry, graphite, cedar and a hint of violet, layered over a backbone of fine yet assertive tannins. The gravelly terroir of Pauillac, with its excellent drainage, allows the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes to ripen gradually, imparting a remarkable structure and ageing potential to the wine. Vinification at Château Hart-Milon is likely traditional, with careful maceration and ageing in French oak barrels, enhancing both complexity and elegance.

Pauillac is one of Bordeaux’s most illustrious sub-regions, renowned for producing some of the world's most sought-after wines. The climate here is tempered by the nearby Gironde estuary, which helps to mitigate extremes and extend the ripening period. The unique gravel soils, over layers of clay and sand, encourage deep root systems and excellent drainage, especially advantageous in wetter years. Historically, this region has cultivated vines since Roman times and is home to three of Bordeaux's five First Growth châteaux, underscoring its pedigree and influence on the world wine stage.

For food pairings, this Pauillac red—structured and richly flavoured—shines with red meats, particularly roasted lamb, which is a classic match. Slow-cooked beef dishes, duck breast, or even grilled venison also highlight the wine’s depth. For a more regional approach, consider entrecôte à la bordelaise, a dish featuring steak with a sauce of Bordeaux wine and shallots. Mature hard cheeses like Comté or aged Gruyère make excellent accompaniments as well.

As this 2023 vintage is still in its youth, you may wish to decant it for 1-2 hours before serving to allow the tannins to soften and the aromatic profile to open up. The recommended serving temperature is 16-18°C, which will best showcase its structure and finesse. This wine promises to evolve beautifully with time in your cellar, rewarding patience with increased complexity and harmony.