Château Clerc Milon

The estate takes its name from Jean-Baptiste Clerc, the owner at the time of the 1855 classification, combined with the name of the hamlet of Milon. Its roots stretch back further still: the land was originally part of the Lafite seigneury before being sold as national property during the French Revolution. By the time Baron Philippe de Rothschild acquired it in 1970 for 1 million francs, the estate had fallen into neglect, with only 10.5 hectares under vine. The Baron undertook extensive renovation and expansion over subsequent decades, and a state-of-the-art winery was completed in 2011. Today the estate is managed by Domaine Baron de Rothschild, now one of the most dynamic operations in Pauillac.

• Named for Jean-Baptiste Clerc (owner at 1855 classification) and the hamlet of Milon
• Sold as national property during the French Revolution, originally part of the Lafite estate
• Acquired by Baron Philippe de Rothschild in 1970 in poor condition with just 10.5 hectares
• New winery completed 2011 following decades of investment and expansion

Château Clerc Milon sits on the Mousset outcrop with a south and south-east exposition that maximizes sun exposure and overlooks the Gironde estuary. The estuary's proximity creates a moderating microclimate that protects the vines from spring frosts, hail, and extreme heat while providing beneficial sea breezes throughout the growing season. Two-thirds of the vineyard is planted on deep sandy gravel over a clay-limestone base, with the remaining parcels displaying a complex mosaic of gravel, limestone, sand, and clay-based soils. This diversity of soil types is one of the reasons the estate can successfully ripen five different grape varieties.

• South/south-east exposition on the Mousset outcrop above the Gironde estuary
• Gironde moderates temperature, reducing frost and hail risk and providing sea breezes
• Predominantly deep sandy gravel over clay-limestone subsoil
• Complex multi-soil mosaic supports five grape varieties

The 41-hectare vineyard is planted to five varieties, led by Cabernet Sauvignon at 50% and Merlot at 37%, with Cabernet Franc contributing 10%, Petit Verdot 2%, and Carmenère 1%. The inclusion of Carmenère is historically significant: the vines date to 1947, making this one of the oldest surviving Carmenère plantings in all of Bordeaux, a variety that largely disappeared from the Médoc after the phylloxera replanting era. Average vine age across the estate stands at 53 years, contributing to the concentration and complexity that characterizes the wines.

• Cabernet Sauvignon 50%, Merlot 37%, Cabernet Franc 10%, Petit Verdot 2%, Carmenère 1%
• Carmenère vines planted in 1947, among the oldest in Bordeaux
• Average vine age of 53 years across the estate
• Five-variety blend is unusual for Pauillac and adds textural complexity

Château Clerc Milon produces a classically styled Pauillac: powerful and tannic yet harmoniously structured, with ample concentration of currants, blackberry, and spice. The high Cabernet Sauvignon component drives the wine's backbone and aging potential, while the significant Merlot proportion softens the texture and adds fleshy, accessible fruit. The result is a wine that balances Pauillac's characteristic authority with genuine elegance and supple texture. The estate's label, one of the most distinctive in the Médoc, features two Commedia dell'Arte dancing figures, a nod to the artistic sensibility that Baron Philippe de Rothschild brought to all of his Bordeaux properties.

• Classic Pauillac structure: powerful tannins, concentrated dark fruit, long aging potential
• Blackcurrant, blackberry, and spice notes with fleshy, supple texture
• Merlot at 37% softens the Cabernet frame and adds mid-palate richness
• Iconic label features Commedia dell'Arte dancing figures