A firm and tannic 2001, showing plenty of Pauillac character in its black fruits, smoked cedar and eucalyptus, with vibrant but edgy tannins. An important vintage as the new plots from the purchase of neighbouring Château Fleur Milon had begun to be integrated, and Jean-Paul Voelert arrived in this vintage to work across Armailhac and Clerc Milon, so separating the teams from Mouton Rothschild for the first time. We opened two bottles, and both showed these edgy tannins alongside concentrated fruits, so perhaps going through an unruly phase - give it a long carafe to ensure things smooth out. Harvest September 27 to October 10.

The 2001 Clerc Milon has a lovely bouquet that puts the 2000 in its place with exuberant black cherry and bilberry fruit, estuarine scents and hints of orange blossom and iodine. Wonderful! The medium-bodied palate offers succulent tannins and vibrant red berry fruit laced with white pepper and cedar. Very harmonious, with impressive weight toward the finish. This is cruising at its peak, and given this showing, it will continue to offer great pleasure. One to seek out. -- Neal Martin

Sleek and racy with a beautiful structure of very fine tannins and ripe fruit. There are minerals currants and berries throughout yet it's subtle and caressing. Lovely wine. I like this as much as the 2000. Best after 2007. (JS)

The 2001 is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest primarily Merlot with some Cabernet Franc. It exhibits notes of roasted espresso creme de cassis licorice and fudge. It is concentrated for a 2001 with moderately high tannin and impressive intensity as well as grip. While it is easy to be underwhelmed by this offering given how spectacular the 2000 is the 2001 is another strong effort from Clerc Milon. This medium-bodied Pauillac will be at its finest between 2007-2016.</P>