Les Voiles de Duhart-Milon
The vintage
An Olympic year in every sense of the term: record rainfall in winter, followed by exceptional mildew pressure appearing as early as the beginning of spring. This was fueled by persistently gloomy weather throughout the season, which significantly impacted yields due to coulure. From mid-July through September, the rains ceased, giving way to a dry period. At this stage, water stress quickly set in across the vineyard, allowing véraison to begin and raising hopes for a promising vintage. In early September, rainfall resumed, sparking concerns over botrytis pressure, but the grapes held up well. Harvest began during the week of September 18, with berries tasting remarkably good and showing ripe tannins.
Location
Pauillac is located on the left bank of the Gironde estuary, approximately 40km North of Bordeaux. With the tempering influence of the estuary and a great diversity of soils originated from both the Massif Central and the Pyrenees, Pauillac boasts exceptionnal climatic and geological conditions to make outstanding wines.
Terroir
Château Duhart Milon’s vineyard consists of a single block of vines adjacent to Château Lafite Rothschild, on the hillside to the west of the Carruades plateau. The property has 76 hectares of vines. The soil consists of fine gravel mixed with aeolian sand on a tertiary limestone subsoil.
Winemaking
Traditional vinification with gentle extraction to preserve aromatic expression and achieve elegant, silky tannins. After malolactic fermentation, the wines are aged for 12 months in barrels.
Tasting
Deep garnet colour with intense purple reflections.
The nose immediately reveals vibrant aromas of fresh fruit: raspberry, blackcurrant and redcurrant, delicately lifted by notes of white pepper.
The attack on the palate is fresh and direct. The aromatic profile, dominated by the Cabernet’s blackcurrant character, is supported by powerful yet elegant tannins that are surprisingly round at this stage. The finish is long and already composed, leaving ample room for fruit alongside subtle hints of vanilla and liquorice.
Alcohol content
12,5
Grapes
Cabernet sauvignon
: 76 %
Merlot
: 24 %