Château Clerc Milon 2023

Climatology:

A mild, rainy winter recharged the soils after a year 2022 marked by a lack of precipitation. The vine cycle resumed in good conditions at the beginning of April, despite a frost episode of no consequence. The trend for 2023 to be one of the warmest on record is confirmed as the months go by. The mild weather, combined with near-normal rainfall throughout the spring, accelerated plant growth. In this favorable climatic context, flowering started perfectly at the end of May, 5 days ahead of schedule. June concluded the season with a record, establishing itself as the hottest month since our records began in 1962. The vines continued to develop at a good pace, maintaining their several-day lead over the average. At the height of summer, while France was subjected to successive waves of heatwaves, the Atlantic coast and the Bordeaux vineyards experienced only two episodes of extreme heat at the end of August and the beginning of September, the latter marking the start of the harvest. During the harvest, unstable weather conditions set in, alternating between hot, sunny days and stormy spells. The grapes took advantage of each propitious moment to gain in maturity, while the rainfall helped to refine the skins while slowing down the accumulation of sugars. The last week of September offers summer sunshine and ideal weather to conclude these 2023 harvests.

Tasting notes:

Deep red with garnet highlights, the wine reveals fine, elegant aromas of blueberry and blackcurrant, accompanied by subtle nuances of cedar and pepper. Smoothness and precision, combined with structured, racy tannins, give the wine great complexity. The dense, fleshy texture, the signature of great Cabernet Sauvignon, is enhanced by a beautiful fruity radiance. Freshness lingers, enhanced by nuances of cocoa bean and licorice.