The 2023 Clerc Milon is a masterpiece of a Bordeaux blend, hailing from the esteemed Pauillac sub-region of Bordeaux, France. Produced by Clerc Milon, this red wine is a testament to the winemaker's art, embodying the rich heritage and terroir of the region. Adorned in a radiant red hue, this wine is a sensory delight right from the first glance.

The nose is an enchanting dance of red berries, cherries, and blackcurrants, with subtle hints of pencil shavings and new oak. This symphony of aromas is echoed on the palate, which is medium to full-bodied, providing a deep and fleshy experience. The layered core of fruit is complemented perfectly by sweet velvety tannins and a seamless, succulent profile.

The blend consists of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 6.5% Cabernet Franc, 1.5% Carmenere, and 1% Petit Verdot. The wine unfolds in the mouth, revealing a great finish bursting with notes of blackcurrant, chocolate, hazelnut, and salt that run the length of the wine. As it lifts off at the end, a chalky undertone emerges, a testament to the limestone terroir of the region.

This wine's vibrant personality is demonstrated through its flamboyant notes of blackcurrant pastilles, boysenberries, and fresh plums, with hints of licorice, lilacs, and underbrush. It effortlessly balances concentration with acidity, and the medium-bodied palate is bright and breezy, with approachable fine-grained tannins and bags of freshness to finish with a skip in its step.

The 2023 Clerc Milon is a wine of superior quality, vivacity, and tension, offering a sense of excitement and drive. With an alcohol content of 13.5%, it is perfectly matured in 55% new oak, revealing a slightly creamy texture and a lovely mouthfeel. The wine is a testament to the beauty of Bordeaux blends, and if Mouton-Rothschild is beyond your budget, this wine is definitely the one to choose.