2017 Duhart-Milon Rothschild
By Chateau Duhart-Milon Rothschild
2017 Duhart-Milon Rothschild from Chateau Duhart-Milon Rothschild, Pauillac, Bordeaux
Embarking on an analytical degustation of the 2017 vintage from Chateau Duhart-Milon Rothschild presents a narrative of resilience and finesse amidst adversity. The Pauillac region, known for its robust and structured wines, found its mettle tested by the capricious climate of 2017 - a testament to both the fragility and perseverance found within the world of viticulture.
Character and Persistence: A Vintage Narrative
The year began with a contemporary vigneron’s nightmare - ruinous frosts in late April, imperilling the fledgling buds. Yet, Chateau Duhart-Milon Rothschild escaped substantial harm thanks to Pauillac’s geographical grace, allowing me to scrutinize what turned out to be a triumph over tribulation.
As I poured the 2017 Duhart-Milon Rothschild into my glass, I was greeted by a colour palette that whispers sophistication - a deep garnet with just a hint of evolution at the fringe. The nose is a compendium of Pauillac's hallmarks: cassis and pencil lead deftly accompanied by an understory of cedar and tobacco leaf, and on closer acquaintance, whispers of black cherry permeate.
The Sip: Examining the Elements
The palate hums with a harmony unique to this vintage. What might have been confrontation between the elements is a fine balance—there's power, certainly, driven by the reputable tannic backbone of Cabernet Sauvignon. Yet, there's also restraint—a result perhaps of the slightly cooler growing conditions bestowing freshness that threads through the dark fruit core.
To declare investment wisdom on wines is always a cautious endeavour; however, one can suggest that this 2017 vintage carries with it an element that conjures interest—the narrative of triumph over potential despair—a tale captured in each bottle.
Summary: Tradition Meets Tenacity
In conclusion, those who savour this wine shall not only be indulging in the liquid anthology of a region held in high regard but also will be subsumed into the story that the 2017 vintage narrates - where adversity cultivates elegance. It is this union of tradition and tenacity that makes owning a share in the legacy of the 2017 Duhart-Milon Rothschild from Chateau Duhart-Milon Rothschild an engaging proposition for discerning investors.
Market price (HKD)
HK$6,786.82
12x75cl
Highest score
91
POP score
64.55
Scores and tasting notes
Very pretty chocolate and dark-berry character with a medium to full body, soft and silky tannins and a fresh finish. Balanced and refined.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com
The 2017 Duhart Milon is deep, luscious and fruity, with lovely mid-palate depth and pliancy. Soft, silky tannins wrap around a core of dark red and blackish fruit. The 2017 is a very pretty Clerc Milon with plenty to recommend it. This is really quite lovely. The blend is 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot. Duhart is another impressive wine in a portfolio from Lafite that is especially strong this year.
Antonio Galloni - Antonio Galloni - vinous.com - May '18
Blended of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon and 24% Merlot, the 2017 Duhart-Milon is deep garnet-purple colored and comes tumbling freely out of the glass with open, expressive black plums, Black Forest cake and blueberry compote notes plus savory wafts of woodsmoke, beef drippings, black olives and cumin seed with an emerging touch of cassis. Medium-bodied, the palate is jam-packed with juicy black plum flavors and a plush texture, lifted by seamless freshness, finishing spicy. Nicely done.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 16 March 2020
A blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon and 24% Merlot, the 2017 Duhart-Milon is beautifully scented of crushed red and black currants, black raspberries and spice cake with suggestions of lavender, cloves and rose hip tea. The palate is medium-bodied, very soft and elegant with seamless freshness and a lingering spiciness on the finish.
Wine Advocate - Lisa Perrotti-Brown - robertparker.com
The 2017 Duhart-Milon has a crisp, pencil lead scented bouquet, introverted at first, a little conservative with smoke and freshly rolled tobacco. It is classic Duhart-Milon really. The palate is medium-bodied with a sharp, pointed entry. This is already quite austere and saline in the mouth, just a little toughness towards the finish that should soften by the end of the élevage. There is something almost standoffish about this Pauillac, a noticeable bell pepper tang developing towards the finish that lingers after the wine has departed. Tasted twice with consistent notes.
Neal Martin - Neal Martin - vinous.com - May '18