2003 Chateau Clerc Milon 5eme Cru Classe, Pauillac 1x750ml

Vinous 87

The 2003 Clerc Milon has a little more delineation than the d’Armailhac: boot leather, sous-bois, clove and a touch of iodine. The palate is less bretty than the d’Armailhac. It’s soft on the entry, with grainy tannins, but the fruit is missing some freshness and brightness on the finish, which does not attract you back for another sip. Difficult to see where this is going. Tasted at the château. [Neal Martin, 08/08/2023]

Anticipated maturity: 2023-2030

Robert Parker 91

A blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, 1% Carmenere and 3% Cabernet Franc, the 2003 has a typical ’03 bouquet where there is a sense of some dead fruit. It is there, but it is not animated. The palate is sweet and sensual on the liquorice-tinged entry. There is more cohesion and freshness than many of its peers with a delightful balsamic tinged finish. This is very fine for the vintage, even if the bottle in London a couple of weeks before showed even better. Drink now-2020. Tasted April 2013. [Neal Martin, 04/01/2013]

Anticipated maturity: 2014-2020