Château Clerc Milon, Pastourelle de Clerc Milon, 2019, Pauillac (AOC)

'One-Liner'
A softer side of serious Pauillac – silky, succulent and packed with ripe red fruit, spice and unmistakable Bordeaux class.

Tasting Note
Deep garnet with violet highlights, with an inviting nose of strawberry, redcurrant and ripe cherry alongside hints of violet, vanilla and sweet spice. The palate is juicy and generous, the Merlot bringing a lovely suppleness while fine, ripe tannins provide enough structure to remind you firmly that this is Pauillac. Cherry and cassis are joined by touches of cedar, marzipan and gentle tobacco as the wine opens in the glass. Fresh acidity keeps everything beautifully balanced, preventing the ripe 2019 fruit from becoming heavy. The finish is long and elegant, leaving lingering notes of dark chocolate and spice.

Country: France
Region: Bordeaux
Sub-Region: Pauillac AOC
Grape(s): 66% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc
ABV: 13.5%
Friendly: n/a

Awards & Critics' Scores
James Suckling – 92/100
Vinous, Antonio Galloni – 92/100
Decanter – 92/100
Jeb Dunnuck – 91/100
Wine Advocate – 89/100
Vinous, Neal Martin – 88/100

The Story
Pastourelle de Clerc Milon has rather more character behind its name than the usual notion of a Bordeaux 'second wine'. Château Clerc Milon is a Fifth Growth Pauillac estate acquired by Baron Philippe de Rothschild in 1970, but Pastourelle itself first appeared with the 2009 vintage and was not released under its own name until 2015. 'Pastourelle' was a form of sung medieval poetry and also became the name of a figure in the quadrille, neatly linking the wine to the pair of dancers that have adorned Clerc Milon's label since 1983. Those dancers were inspired by an intricate gold, enamel and pearl miniature once owned by Catherine II of Russia. The wine comes from the same 41-hectare estate as Clerc Milon itself, but is intended to show a rounder, more immediately approachable expression of its Pauillac origins. In 2019 that character is particularly evident, with Merlot making up two-thirds of the blend and lending generosity and suppleness to the more structured Cabernet varieties.

Perfect With... (click me for the recipe)
- Meat/fish: Classic rustic duck parmentier
- Vegetarian: Wild mushroom and taleggio risotto
- Vegan: Provençal stuffed tomatoes with herbed rice