Wines Pauillac Château Clerc Milon - 2001

Viniou Reviews

Château Clerc Milon 2001 is a Pauillac of real distinction, crafted from a classic Bordeaux blend predominantly featuring Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and a touch of Carmenère. The 2001 vintage, shaped by a relatively cool and balanced growing season, reveals restraint and elegance rather than exuberance. The terroir of Clerc Milon is typical of the region: gravel-rich soils atop limestone and clay, situated close to the Gironde estuary. These well-draining soils, combined with careful vineyard management and traditional vinification—maceration in stainless steel before ageing in French oak—encourage both aromatic purity and graceful structure, resulting in a wine of complexity and notable longevity.

Pauillac lies at the heart of the Médoc on Bordeaux’s Left Bank, an area internationally celebrated for crafting some of the world’s greatest Cabernet-based wines. The gravelly soils, deposited by ancient riverbeds, play a vital role in imparting finesse and allowing deep root penetration. The temperate Atlantic climate, buffered by the proximity to the Gironde, moderates extremes and extends the ripening period. With a winemaking history dating back centuries and an enduring reputation for both innovation and tradition, Pauillac wines blend structure, aromatic depth, and a certain noble austerity that invites slow appreciation.

A mature Pauillac like Château Clerc Milon 2001 excels with dishes that mirror its complexity and understated power. Classic French pairings such as roast lamb with herbs, duck breast in a red wine reduction, or entrecôte steak with Bordelaise sauce are highly recommended. The wine’s evolved tannins and tertiary notes also ally beautifully with more rustic accompaniments—think truffle-infused potato gratin, wild mushroom risotto, or a selection of aged, hard cheeses. For a truly regional match, consider a Pauillac lamb dish highlighting the local Agneau de Pauillac.

To fully enjoy Château Clerc Milon 2001, decant gently to separate any sediment and allow the wine to breathe for at least an hour. Serve at 16-18°C to appreciate its bouquet of cedar, tobacco, blackcurrant, and earthy undertones, unveiling its finesse and length on the palate.