Type: Red Wine
Vintage: 2017
Grapes: 76% Cabernet Sauvignon and 24% Merlot
Origin: Pauillac, France
Description: Discussing the A.O.C. Pauillac entails addressing one of the Bordeaux regions most renowned for the quality of its wines. Three of the five first growths from the Official Classification of Bordeaux Wine of 1855 are located here (Châteaux Lafite, Latour, and Mouton Rothschild); even the lesser crus of this area closely approach this standard of excellence.
Among the foremost ranks is Château Duhart-Milon, owned by Château Lafite Rothschild, positioned to the north of the A.O.C. Pauillac, in the Aquitaine region of French Médoc, abutting the Gironde estuary. This esteemed French winery boasts 112 hectares, partitioned into three distinct areas: on the slopes of the château, in the neighboring region of Saint Estèphe, and on the adjacent Carruades plateau to the west. From the latter parcel—characterized by soils of fine gravel, aeolian sand, and tertiary limestone—the grapes for the red Château Duhart-Milon are harvested.
This specific plot of 76 hectares, situated on the Milon hillside (which extends along the Carruades plateau), is under the stewardship of Eric Kohler (Technical Director of Château Lafite Rothschild and Château Duhart-Milon), who is supported by the oenologist Christophe Congé and vineyard manager Louis Caillard. The vines, averaging 39 years of age, are cultivated using the same traditional techniques (manual harvesting and vineyard work, yield control, judicious use of organic fertilizers, etc.).
During vinification, the grapes from each plot are processed in separate batches to preserve the identity and characteristics of the terroir. The different batches are vatted for fermentation in two distinct rooms: the first, in large oak barrels; the second, a slightly more contemporary setting, with stainless steel tanks. Post-fermentation, around December, each cuvée is tasted and evaluated. The subsequent step is the racking, where the wine is separated from the pomace (fermented skins). The press completes the process before the onset of malolactic fermentation in Domaines cooperage barrels with a special toasting. Following the blending and the requisite fining with egg whites, Château Duhart-Milon is transferred back to barrels for aging, which lasts between 10 and 18 months.
Tasting notes: "A blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon and 24% Merlot, the 2017 Duhart-Milon is beautifully scented of crushed red and black currants, black raspberries and spice cake with suggestions of lavender, cloves and rose hip tea. The palate is medium-bodied, very soft and elegant with seamless freshness and a lingering spiciness on the finish."
Pairing: Excellent pairing with mature cheeses.
Alcohol: 13%
