critic reviews
The 2023 Pastorelle de Clerc Milon has quite a potent pencil box and blackberry-scented bouquet. It just misses a bit of finesse. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, fine acidity, clean black fruit, with a little more depth on the finish than I originally envisaged from barrel. Give this a year in bottle.
Slate textured from the first moment, with grip and tension, firm texture and depths, confidently constructed without being so sleek that it loses appellation character. Gentle spice, brambled fruits, soft finish. An earlier-drinking slice of Pauillac. No new barrels for ageing, harvest September 7 to 29, a touch of Carmanère in the blend both in this and the main estate wine.
The 2023 Pastourelle de Clerc Milon is deep garnet-purple in color. It bursts from the glass with bold notes of stewed plums and baked blackberries followed by hints of spice cake, dried roses, and charcoal. The medium to full-bodied palate is dense with juicy black fruits framed by soft tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing fruity. The blend is 63% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Carmenere. The alcohol is 14.2%.