2022 Chateau Duhart-Milon Pauillac

Château Duhart-Milon, the soleFourth Growth estate in Pauillac as per the1855 Bordeaux Classification, boasts a rich history intertwined with its prestigious neighbor,Château Lafite Rothschild. The estate derives its name from "Sieur Duhart," a privateer under Louis XV who settled in Pauillac upon retirement; his residence inspired the château's label.

The vineyard spans 76 hectares, planted with67% Cabernet Sauvignon and 33% Merlot, with vines averaging 30 years of age. Situated on theMilon hillside, the terroir comprises sandy gravel soils with varying levels of pebbles, sand, and clay, contributing to the wine's distinctive character.

In1962, theDomaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite)acquired Château Duhart-Milon, initiating extensive renovations and replanting efforts to restore the estate's former glory. These endeavors have elevated the château's reputation, producing wines that exemplify the elegance and depth characteristic of Pauillac.

2022 was an extraordinary vintage for Bordeaux, it was blessed with a 95-98 pt review by Wine Spectator who said: "A new paradigm for Bordeaux. Very aromatic and sleek, fresh and pure in feel, with all major varietals performing well; far more consistent than the 2018-2020 trio."

Aging:

78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot. The 2022 Château Duhart-Milon presents a deep, dark ruby hue with an opaque core and purple reflections, subtly brightening at the rim. The nose offers fine oak nuances, fresh sweet cherry, cassis, blackberry, and a hint of orange zest. On the palate, it is substantial yet elegant, showcasing cool fruit, velvety, supporting tannins, and discreet fruit. The wine boasts very good length and definite aging potential.

The Grand Vin 2022 Château Duhart-Milon is 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Merlot. It brings more richness as well as classic Pauillac character in its lead pencil, graphite, tobacco, and red and black fruit-driven aromatics. With gorgeous richness, a medium to full-bodied mouthfeel, and a great finish, this utterly classic, seamless, balanced Pauillac should be snatched up by readers. It's going to give the 2009 a run for its money. ~94-96+ JD

Very Pauillac in its blackcurrant, dark chocolate, and walnut husk character. Full-bodied yet compacted. Wet earth, mushroom, earth, black tobacco. Fine and intense tannins. Fresh and complex. 78% cabernet sauvignon and 22% merlot. ~95-96 JS

Lead pencil, spice, red currants, flowers, and dark cherries crowd into the nose. On the palate, the wine is elegant, refined, soft, and pure. There is density along with vibrance, spice, lift, and width. The finish, with its blend of red fruits, cocoa, orange rind, spice, espresso, and plums, lingers, which is a good thing as you want as much of this on your palate as possible. The wine is a blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Merlot. Drink from 2026-2050. ~94-96 Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider

The 2022 Duhart-Milon underwent a short 15- to 18-day maceration and is raised in 50% new oak and the rest one-year-old barrels. It has a very graphite/mint-scented nose that is Pauillac through and through. The palate is fresh and vibrant with fine tannins. This is beautifully sculpted with a vibrant pencil lead-tinged finish reminiscent of Grand Puy Lacoste. The 2022 is a fabulous Duhart-Milon that should give 30 to 40 years of drinking pleasure. It's a Pauillac a bit like the late Steven Spurrier insofar that it's a Pauillac always conservatively dressed in a pin-striped suit, but that's the essence of Duhart. ~93-95 NM-VM

***Free Shipping on 6 or More Bottles of This Wine***