Clerc Milon 2002

Cedar, burning embers, licorice, black currants, and espresso notes jump from the glass of this dense ruby/purple-colored, firm, tannic, powerful, and muscular style of Clerc-Milon. Quite virile, a bit angular, but at the same time packed and stacked, full and concentrated, this impressive blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot actually has higher alcohol (13.2%) than the 2003. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2020+.

Tasted blind at Farr's 2002 Bordeaux tasting. Compared to the previous wine (d'Armailhac) this bouquet does not have the same degree of exuberant black fruit, quite earthy and leathery, just a little muffled at the moment. With time, some attractive cooked meat aromas eke out from the glass. The palate is medium-bodied, firm tannins, redcurrant, raspberry, white pepper, tarry and graphite finish. Great length. Very well defined. The more is remains in your presence, the more it gives. Excellent. Tasted October 2009.

Drink 2009-18 A bit sweet and more suppressed than the other wines from the Mouton stable, d'Armailhac and Petit Mouton. Just slightly more tarty. Tarry. Not as ambitious as the first two in this flight, but the wine has an attractive dry finish.

While Clerc-Milon may not be the sure thing the 2002 Armailhac is, it looks to be an outstanding effort. Although formidably tannic and backward at present, this blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot possesses a saturated blue/purple color, high flavor extraction, medium to full body, and a palate as well as teeth-staining saturated purple color. If the rugged tannin becomes better integrated, this will be a sensational effort. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2024