Juicy and nicely framed with a singed bay leaf note, which allows the medium-weight core of crushed plum and mulled fig to glide along nicely through the velvety finish. This fleshes out considerably as it sits in the glass, showing more layers of dark fruit and lingering minerality. This has some power in reserve, but lovely balance as well. Best from 2013 through 2024.
93 Points, Wine Spectator (2012)
(a blend of 50% cabernet sauvignon, 44% merlot, 4% cabernet franc, 1% carmenere and 1% petit verdot; ph 3.65; 13.5% alcohol; IPT 65) Ruby red. An enticing floral element adds lift to aromas of red berry cocktail, cinnamon and bay leaf. Enters juicy and fresh, with flavors similar to the aromas, offering good concentration and length but also a youthful austerity. The energetic finish features chewy tannins, considerable energy, and notes of menthol and coffee that speak of the carmenere, a variety that can make its presence even in minute doses. Barons Domaines de Rothschild's general manager and technical director Philippe Dhalluin told me that the '09 Clerc Milon is very Pauillac in style. "I know that's a funny thing to say considering that it includes 44% merlot, but it has a rigid and massive quality that is very typical of Pauillac," said Dhalluin. "My main goal with Clerc Milon is to try to civilize it more and more with each new vintage." One factor that will go a long way toward improving the already high quality of this wine is that, starting with the 2009 vintage, Clerc Milon now has its own director in charge of operations, Jean-Emanuel Darjoy, who works closely with Dhalluin on a day-to-day basis.
90-93 Points, Ian D'Agata for Stephen Tanzer's Int'l Cellar (May 2010)
Despite the fact there is 44% Merlot in this wine (blended with 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Carmenere), this is a tannic, structured, backward Clerc Milon, which is atypical for this estate. Perhaps I just caught it at a time when the structure was dominating. It is a deep ruby/purple-hued, concentrated, impressively endowed effort that requires serious cellar age, 4-5 years minimum. It should last for 20-25 years. (Tasted two times.)
90-92+ points Robert Parkers Wine Advocate # 188 (Apr 2010). | 
