Chateau Duhart-Milon, Paulliac 2006 – 750ml Private Cask

93pts Wine Enthusiast

The character of this wine, a straight line of tannins and black currant fruit flavors, is the model of a classic Pauillac. It has all the structure as well as some austerity and severity at this stage in its development. But the fruit texture is rich enough, dried fruits and spice followed by licorice and bitter chocolate. Age for five years at least.

92pts Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

It is no longer an insider’s secret that the investments made by the Rothschild family (of Lafite) in Duhart Milon are paying big dividends. A shrewd Pauillac lover’s delight, it possesses exceptional quality, yet the price remains fair. This blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot, only 50% made it into the final blend, displays some of Lafite’s classic notes of lead pencil shavings, cedar, and black currants along with more earthy, roasted herb, and spice box characteristics. Rich, full-bodied, dense, and already approachable, it should evolve easily for two decades. Good value.

Winemaker Notes

The climate was full of contrast with a cold wet winter, a fine spring and a summer combining hot and cool periods. Mid – September was then marked by a stormy episode. A careful attention was needed to produce healthy and ripe grapes.
Beautiful dark garnet-red color. Discreet camphor notes on the nose, toasted aromas with a nice structure. Plenty of potential for this wine.

Winery Notes

In the early 18th century, Pauillac began widespread grape cultivation at the urging of the Lafite lords. The Milon wines served as additional income for Lafite’s master, and became Château Lafite’s second wine. The 1855 classification recognized the quality of Duhart-Milon’s soil by ranking it as the only 4th growth wine in Pauillac. Between 1830 and 1840, the Castéja family was left an inheritance by both Mandavy and the Duhart widow (35 acres). The family thus possessed a 99 acre vineyard that was named Duhart- Milon. The property changed ownership many times over the years and suffered a decline in the quality of its’ wines. The property was named after the Sieur of Duhart, gun-runner to Louis XIV, who originally owned the property, and from the name of the little hamlet of Milon which separates the Duhart-Milon vineyard from Château Lafite.