The 2023 Clerc Milon Bordeaux Blend, produced by Clerc Milon in the Pauillac sub-region of Bordeaux, France, is a red wine that has garnered attention for its high quality and vibrant character. This wine is a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 6.5% Cabernet Franc, 1.5% Carménère, and 1% Petit Verdot, with an alcohol content of 13.5% and a pH of 3.83. The grapes were harvested from September 7 to 29, and the wine was aged in 55% new oak barrels.
James Suckling lauds this wine with a score of 96, highlighting its "great finish, with blackcurrant, chocolate, hazelnut and salt undertones," and noting its "chalky undertone" attributed to limestone terroir (jamessuckling.com). Jane Anson echoes this sentiment, also awarding it a 96, and describes it as having "vivacity and tension in the blue and black fruits, with liquorice root, squid ink, salted cracker, white pepper spice and freshly cut herbs" (janeanson.com). Anson's review emphasizes the excellent crop of wines in the Pauillac appellation for 2023.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate issues a solid 94 score, praising its "layered core of fruit, sweet velvety tannins and a seamless, succulent profile" (Robert Parker's Wine Advocate). The Wine Independent also awards it 94 points, noting its "approachable fine-grained tannins and bags of freshness" and describing it as "bright and breezy" (The Wine Independent).
Neal Martin from Vinous describes the 2023 Clerc Milon as "very well balanced with a slightly creamy texture and a lovely mouthfeel," awarding it 94 points. He suggests that those who find Mouton-Rothschild beyond their budget should consider this wine (Vinous).
Jeff Leve of The Wine Cellar Insider gives it 95 points, highlighting its "fresh, silky, and refined" palate and suggesting it will improve with age (TheWineCellarInsider.com). Jeb Dunnuck also provides a 94-point review, commending its "beautiful overall balance and outstanding length" (jebdunnuck.com).
Decanter rates it 96 points, appreciating its "strong intense nose, some herbal markers and blackcurrants," and notes its "straight and streamlined" character with "juicy and plummy fruit" (Decanter).
Overall, the 2023 Clerc Milon Bordeaux Blend is highly praised for its balance, complexity, and potential for aging, making it a noteworthy addition to any collection.