Chateau Clerc Milon 2006

Chateau Clerc Milon 2006 is a Fifth Growth Pauillac Bordeaux blend bottled at approximately 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Scoring 91 points from both Robert Parker and Wine Spectator, this vintage demonstrates the structured, dark-fruited character that has steadily elevated Clerc Milon's standing among the classified growths of the Left Bank.

Quick Facts: ABV: ~13.5%  |  Origin: Pauillac, Médoc, Bordeaux, France  |  Vintage: 2006  |  Classification: Cinquième Grand Cru Classé (1855)

Production & Heritage

Château Clerc Milon sits in Pauillac on deep sandy gravel over a clay-limestone base, with vineyards that border two classified First Growths — a pedigree position that contributes serious terroir depth. The estate is owned by the Rothschild family and managed by the same team responsible for Château Mouton-Rothschild. The 2006 blend comprises 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, and 6% Cabernet Franc, harvested between September 20 and October 5, then aged in oak barrels to build structure and complexity.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with concentrated blackcurrant and wild blackberry, layered with slightly toasted oak and floral undertones. Deeper exploration reveals roast coffee notes and a subtle dusty, earthy quality typical of mature Pauillac.

Taste: The entry is full and refined, with dense cassis fruit meeting firm, close-knit tannins. Mid-palate, super-ripe dark fruit mingles with jammy nuances and crisp cherry tones, all framed by a tightly woven tannic structure that is stylish rather than aggressive. Good acidity keeps the profile lifted and focused.

Finish: The finish is supple and long, trailing off into liquorice, vanilla, and lingering dark fruit. At nearly two decades from vintage, the tannins have softened considerably, lending a smoother, more integrated conclusion.

How to Drink Clerc Milon 2006

This wine is best served at around 16–18°C (61–64°F), ideally decanted for 30 to 60 minutes to allow the mature aromatics to fully open. Drinking neat in a large-bowled Bordeaux glass allows the full spectrum of dark fruit and spice to develop. While this is fundamentally a food wine rather than a cocktail ingredient, it pairs exceptionally well with carefully chosen dishes at the table.

Best For

• Serving at a formal dinner alongside lamb or aged beef
• Gifting a Bordeaux collector with a classified-growth vintage
• Celebrating a milestone anniversary tied to the 2006 vintage year
• Adding a mature Pauillac to a cellar tasting lineup

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Clerc Milon 2006 taste like? Clerc Milon 2006 is defined by concentrated blackcurrant and dark berry fruit, supported by firm but polished tannins, toasted oak, and a long finish of liquorice and vanilla. It is a structured Pauillac that has entered its mature drinking window.

How does Clerc Milon 2006 compare to Château d'Armailhac 2006? Both are Fifth Growth Pauillacs owned by the Rothschild family, but Clerc Milon is generally considered the slightly more structured and concentrated of the two, with denser tannins and more aging potential. D'Armailhac tends toward a softer, more immediately approachable style in most vintages.

Is Clerc Milon 2006 good for drinking now? Yes — at nearly two decades old, the 2006 has moved into a mature drinking window where the tannins have integrated and secondary aromas of earth and spice have developed. Decanting before serving is recommended to fully appreciate its evolved character.

Where is Clerc Milon made? Château Clerc Milon is located in the Pauillac appellation within the Médoc sub-region of Bordeaux, France. Its vineyards sit on deep sandy gravel over clay-limestone and adjoin two First Growth estates.

What foods pair well with Clerc Milon 2006? Roast rack of lamb benefits from the wine's tannic grip and dark fruit intensity. Grilled ribeye steak matches its weight and structure. Duck confit echoes the wine's richness. Aged hard cheeses like Comté or aged Gouda complement the developed, savoury notes. Mushroom-based dishes — such as a wild mushroom risotto — harmonize with the earthy, tertiary character of the mature vintage.

What sizes does Clerc Milon 2006 come in? The standard format is 750ml, though older Bordeaux vintages can sometimes be found in magnums (1.5L) and half-bottles (375ml) depending on availability.

Is Clerc Milon 2006 worth the price? Clerc Milon positions as a mid-tier classified Bordeaux — more accessible than its sibling Mouton-Rothschild yet carrying genuine Fifth Growth pedigree and consistent critical acclaim. With 91 points from both Robert Parker and Wine Spectator, the 2006 represents solid value within the Pauillac appellation for drinkers seeking mature Left Bank character without the premium of higher-classified estates.

Why Clerc Milon 2006?

Few Fifth Growths benefit from the direct stewardship of a First Growth production team, but Clerc Milon does — the same winemaking expertise behind Mouton-Rothschild shapes every vintage here. The 2006 earned 91 points from both Robert Parker and Wine Spectator, confirming its quality across independent palates. Its vineyard placement bordering two First Growths on prime Pauillac gravel gives it a terroir advantage that punches above its classification. For drinkers seeking a mature, structured Pauillac that has reached its stride, this vintage delivers genuine Left Bank complexity at a classified-growth level.