Clerc Milon - Pauillac 1996

Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux

93 / 100

byJane Ansonthe10/14/2022

An exceptional vintage, the tannins of this 1996 feel a little edgy and austere, although there is precision on display, with waves of graphite and liqourice along with classic cassis fruits and sweetened bilberry puree, I would give this a few more years and go for the 1990 right now (or the 1996 Armailhac), Eric Tourbier technical director. Harvest September 30 to October 9.

Wine Advocate

90 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/1999

This is among the finest wines I have ever tasted from this estate. Lavishly oaked, with gobs of pain grille and rich fruit, it is massive and concentrated. The color is dense ruby/purple. The bouquet offers notes of roasted coffee, tobacco, and jammy cassis. Although surprisingly soft and opulent on the attack, the mid-section and finish reveal the wine's full body, high flavor extraction, and moderate tannin. This complete, large-scaled Clerc-Milon will be at its finest between 2005-2018.

Wine Spectator

88 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe1/31/1999

Shows pretty floral and berry aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, with firm tannins and a fruity, mineral aftertaste. A very good Clerc, but rather lean for this fine estate. Best after 2001.

Wine Advocate

89-90 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe2/28/1998

A 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, and 12% Cabernet Franc blend, this is a fleshy, atypically succulent, voluptuously-textured Pauillac that will offer delicious drinking at a young age. The wine possesses plenty of volume and punch on the palate, with gobs of fruit, as well as a subtle dosage of new oak (about 35% new oak barrels are utilized at this estate). Low acidity and rich fruit conceal much of the wine's tannin, which is present but unobtrusive. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2012. A sleeper.

Wine Advocate

87-88 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/1997

The 1996 Clerc-Milon, an interesting blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, and 25% Merlot, reveals a distinctive blueberry-scented nose with spicy, lead pencil, cedar, and toasty oak aromas. The wine is pure, with surprisingly tart, crisp acidity, more of a compact, tighter style than previous vintages, and moderate tannin in the finish. Usually a supple, plush, easy to understand and drink wine when young, the 1996 is more backward and structured, thus patience will be required. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2015.