Pastourelle de Clerc Milon 2021 (1.5L)

90-92 VM / 90-91 JS / 89-91 JD / 88-90 WA

The 2021 Clerc Milon, aged in 55% new oak, contains a little more Cabernet Franc than usual. It has a slightly savory nose displaying moderate vigor and black fruit infused with touches of brown spice. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, and quite broad and fleshy. The plush finish makes me think this will drink well in its youth. Fine, though I lean toward the d'Armailhac this year. 13% alcohol) - Neal Martin, Vinous media

Spicy, with tar and blackberry aromas and some black olive, too. Medium body. Firm tannins and a savory finish. A little hard now, but should soften with age. 54% cabernet sauvignon, 43% merlot, 2% carmenere and 1% petit verdot. - James Suckling

The 2021 Pastourelle (54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, 2% Carmenère, and 1% Petit Verdot) offers a supple, forward, yet rock-solid style carrying plenty of cassis and some darker classic Cabernet fruit as well as medium-bodied richness, good ripeness, and plenty of length on the finish. It's another pretty, charming, delicious second wine from the Médoc that will drink well right out of the gate. - Jeb Dunnuck

Around 32% of the production will end up as the 2021 Pastourelle de Clerc Milon, a medium-bodied, ample and charming wine evocative of violets, exotic spices, blackberries, cassis and nicely integrated new oak. Impressively layered and precise for a second wine in a challenging vintage, it underlines the progress this estate has made over the last decade. - William Kelley, Wine Advocate