Chateau Clerc Milon 2016

96 Points - Decanter

Always more muscular and powerful than Armailhac, there's no surprise that this has closed down more than its sibling. The complexity of the layers is still on display, showcasing fresh menthol, cranberry, white pepper, black olive, rose and blackberry, all wrapped up in a tight tannic hold. There are some wonderful toasted caramel notes, subdued but rich and tightly wound, waiting to show their exuberance on the finish. There's no doubt that this is as good as I thought en primeur, but it needs time to open up, and I would suggest the full 10 years. 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Carménère complete the blend.

96 Points - James Suckling

An outstanding Clerc Milon and probably one of the recent best. This shows depth, richness, juiciness, complexity and nice fluidity through the middle. Fine, svelte tannins with graphite, black currant and paprika flavors. Juicy and medium- to full-bodied with a long finish. 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Carménère.

95 Points - Jeb Dunnuck

I was able to taste the 2016 Château Clerc Milon on multiple occasions, and it was always brilliant, showing a deep ruby/purple color as well as sexy aromas and flavors of crème de cassis, new saddle leather, spicy oak and graphite. Deep, powerful and beautifully concentrated, it’s a rock star of a Pauillac that’s going to keep for 30 years or more. The blend is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, with the balance Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Carménère, all aged 16 months in 50% new French oak.

95 Points - Wine Enthusiast

Dark and concentrated, this wine offers depth and intensity. It has great ripeness as well as fine tannins that are integrated into the fruit. It is so juicy and exuberant that it’s hard to remember the tannins that will allow the wine to age. Drink from 2023.

94 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The Cabernet Franc was fantastic this year, so it was all used in the Grand Vin. The final blend is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Carménère. Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2016 Clerc Milon leaps from the glass with beautiful scents of chocolate-covered cherries, plum preserves and crushed blackcurrants, alongside suggestions of lilacs, cardamom, underbrush and unsmoked cigars. Medium- to full-bodied, the palate has a firm frame of finely grained tannins and seamless freshness, lifting the perfumed fruit through a long finish.

94 Points - Wine Spectator

A fresh and stylish version, with chalky minerality running from start to finish. Succulent plum and cassis fruit flavors coil around the mineral core and absorb it easily at first. Pretty violet and lilac notes gild the finish, with the minerality taking a slightly firmer stand. Best from 2023 through 2035.