Château Milon, 'Cuvée Caprice', 2024, Saint-Émilion (AC)

'One-Liner'
A plush, Merlot-led Saint-Émilion with ripe plum fruit, cedar spice and a fresh, structured finish.

Tasting Note
Deep ruby in the glass. The nose is warm and inviting, with ripe plummy fruit, soft spice, a touch of cedar and a hint of cigar box. On the palate it is full-bodied but well balanced, with supple red and dark fruit, fine-grained tannins and a finish that stays fresh and food-friendly rather than heavy. There is a little leather and cocoa in the background too, which gives it extra shape and depth.

Country: France
Region: Bordeaux
Sub-Region: Saint-Emilion
Grape(s): 100% Merlot
ABV: 13%
Friendly: Vegan, Vegetarian

Awards & Critics' Scores
n/a

The Story
Caprice comes from a relatively small vineyard area, with vines around 30 years old, and the style feels very true to that side of Bordeaux – generous in fruit, softer in profile than the Médoc, but still with enough structure and savoury detail to keep it feeling properly claret-like. The élevage is measured rather than flashy too, with most of the wine kept in stainless steel and a smaller portion aged in older French oak, which helps preserve the fruit while adding a little polish.

Perfect With... (click me for the recipe)
- Meat/fish: Slow-cooked beef chilli with black beans, smoked paprika and lime
- Vegetarian: Mushroom and Thyme Tart
- Vegan: Braised red cabbage with lentils and roasted onions