2015 Duhart-Milon Rothschild
By Chateau Duhart-Milon Rothschild
2015 Duhart-Milon Rothschild from Château Duhart-Milon Rothschild, Pauillac, Bordeaux
Amidst the esteemed lineage of Pauillac vintages, the 2015 Duhart-Milon Rothschild from Château Duhart-Milon Rothschild stands a testament to the estate's intuitive mastery over a complex terroir. A narrative of elegance intertwines with structural might in this lauded harvest, a vintage that reflects the adaptability and keen insight of the estate amidst weather trials.
Character Shaped by Clime: The 2015 Craftsmanship
The terroirs of Pauillac offered a bounty less forgiving in climatic indulgence during 2015 but exceedingly generous in concentrated proficiency. This is keenly embodied in the Duhart-Milon Rothschild—the year's tempered sunshine and judicious rainfall concatenating into a ballet of balanced ripeness within the Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes that dominantly orchestrate this blend. A particular resonance of fine tannins bespeaks the silken touch proffered by its creators, moulding an investment piece that discerningly matures.
Vintage Virtuosity: A Palette of Refinement
The aroma ascends with cerebral poise, presenting blackcurrant’s lush cadence harmonised with subtle herbaceous motifs and an almost imperceptible whisper of vanilla—a reverence to adept oak maturation. On the palate, one savours the precision layers; cassis and plums pirouetting amidst tobacco and leather nuances—an intoxicating choreography of flavours. The finish is one of persistence, quietly confident like a shared secret among connoisseurs.
The 2015 Duhart-Milon Rothschild reveals Pauillac's restraint and strength in a symbiotic dance, making it a singular piece in both drinking pleasure and as an investment into the annals of fine wine heritage.
Concluding Notes on Investment Elegance
In conclusion, the 2015 Duhart-Milon Rothschild from this storied estate captures a unique moment in winemaking where challenge breeds excellence. Aristocratic yet approachable, this vintage offers astute collectors not just a bottle for their cache but an experience woven from one of Bordeaux's most capable artisans. It is unquestionably one to be savoured, valued and considered as a poised addition to any distinguished portfolio.
Market price (CAD)
$1,140.00
12x75cl
Highest score
94
POP score
48.57
Scores and tasting notes
Refreshingly low in alcohol (as most of the wines from the Lafite stable are in 2015), this is grassy, scented and refined with well integrated 45% new oak, flavours of red and black cherries and bright acidity. Drink: 2020-28
Tim Atkin - timatkin.com
A firm and silky red with blackberry and chocolate character. Hints of walnut. Full and chewy. Fresh finish.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com
The 2015 Duhart Milon is a blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon and 27% Merlot picked between September 23 and October 6, the September 17-23 respectively. It will eventually see 40% new oak during its élevage. It has a tightly-wound bouquet with blackberry, bilberry and cassis fruit, moderate complexity, perhaps just a little static at the moment. The palate is medium-bodied with quite supple tannin for the normally obdurate Duhart-Milon, the acidity nicely judged with a pleasing salinity towards the finish. I would just like to see more personality come through by the time of bottling. Otherwise, this is a fine Duhart-Milon that is more compromising than the tannic "beasts" of yesteryear, and it should drink after 5-7 years in bottle.
Neal Martin - eRobertParker.com, #224, April 2016
Composed of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon and 27% Merlot and aged for 14 months in barrels, 50% new, the 2015 Duhart-Milon has a medium to deep garnet-purple color and an open, expressive nose of warm red currants, black raspberries and spice cake with nuances of cedar chest, bay leaves and tobacco plus a waft of rose hips. Medium-bodied, vibrant and refreshing in the mouth, it has a good amount of chewy tannins and layers of lively red and black fruits, finishing on an earthy note.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 21 February 2018
73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot. Picked 28 September to 6 October. Light and mild-mannered on the nose. Sweet palate that could do with a little more freshness. Very dry finish. So unassuming it's rather underwhelming. Full marks for texture but flavour is a bit dull.
Jancis Robinson - jancisrobinson.com