Duhart Milon Rothschild 2018

A wine that is often austere during En Primeur but is here showing its seductive side with a generous texture lending a wonderful richness through the palate giving it the feel of a 2009, although clearly loaded with tannins, but of a softer style than 2010 or 2016.It has a juiciness rippling with bramble fruit on the attack, then the herb, slate and liquorice root come in through the mid-palate adding complexity and gravitas. Harvest took place between 17 September and 4 October. 73IPT.Drinking Window 2026 - 2040

Tasted blind. Dark crimson. Lifted, aromatic. Sweet and juicy – maybe just a bit too sweet? The sweetness of the fruit very much distracts from the tannins which are not quite as ripe as some. But it’s impressively long. 14.5%Drink 2030 – 2046

65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot. Barrel sample. Black core with barely a rim. So wonderfully scented, like the Clerc Milon. Blackcurrant tea, pure cassis, almost floral, but so pretty. Firm and dry but super-refined on the palate, dry tannic finesse. Finely balanced for the long term. Dark and savoury and full of such refined elegance and dark finesse. A beauty. (JH) 14%Drink 2028-2038

(65 Cabernet Sauvignon, 35 Merlot) | 14% alc Duhart is a wine which often passes me by, but this is certainly a demonstrative wine and it harnesses the heat in the vintage well without tipping over the top. There is a dark, mineral core which brings backbone to the wine and while it is not a delicate wine, it is structured and imposing. The volume of rain at the beginning of the year helped this wine to make it through the hot and dry part of the year and this balance has worked well.

This is a very powerful Duhart with blackcurrant and blackberry character. Lots of graphite and black tea. Full-bodied and muscular with lots of formed muscles and great length. Could be best ever?This is a very powerful Duhart with blackcurrant and blackberry character. Lots of graphite and black tea. Full-bodied and muscular with lots of formed muscles and great length. Could be best ever?

The 2018 Château Duhart-Milon checks in as a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot that hit 14% alcohol. Beautiful black currants, smoked earth, chocolate, and damp earth notes flow to a medium to full-bodied, incredibly elegant Duhart-Milon that has ultra-fine tannins, a weightless texture, terrific balance, and a great finish. Seemingly all about finesse and elegance, it builds nicely on the palate and has a great finish. It should match or exceed the brilliant 2009.