Pastourelle de Clerc Milon 2016 is the second wine of Château Clerc Milon, crafted with all the expertise of this renowned Fifth Growth from the Pauillac appellation. This cuvée is typically composed of a classic Bordeaux blend, dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and occasionally a touch of Carménère. The 2016 vintage benefited from a warm, dry summer and favourable harvest conditions, which produced wines of great depth and precision. This wine shows a vibrant ruby colour, offering aromas of blackcurrant, plum, and subtle spices, underscored by fine oak notes. The palate is elegant, displaying ripe tannins, freshness, and impressive length, reflecting meticulous parcel selection and traditional vinification in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, followed by ageing in French oak barrels.
The Pauillac terroir is celebrated for its gravel-rich soils over limestone and clay sublayers, providing excellent drainage and encouraging deep root penetration—ideal conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon. The proximity to the Gironde estuary moderates climatic extremes, reducing risks of frost and allowing a slow, even ripening of grapes. Pauillac enjoys a storied reputation within Bordeaux, being home to some of the greatest châteaux and creating wines famed for their structure, longevity, and nobility. Historically, estates like Clerc Milon have contributed to the prestige of the Left Bank, blending tradition with innovation.
For food pairings, this Pauillac’s robust structure and complexity make it an ideal partner for red meats such as roast lamb with Provençal herbs or classic entrecôte à la Bordelaise. It also complements game dishes like venison, as well as earthy wild mushroom risottos. Regional French cheeses such as Ossau-Iraty or aged Comté will also highlight the wine's nuances.
To fully appreciate its aromatic profile and refined tannins, decant the Pastourelle de Clerc Milon 2016 for at least an hour before serving. The ideal tasting temperature lies between 16-18°C, allowing the wine to reveal its balance, elegance, and expressive Pauillac character. This vintage can be enjoyed now, but has the structure to develop beautifully in the bottle over the next 5–7 years.
