A successful Pauillac from a challenging vintage, the 1997 Clerc Milon is a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot. Now fully mature, it shows a brick-tinged color with complex aromas of incense, wilted flowers, tobacco, leather, and game, alongside red berry fruit. The palate is supple and well-balanced, with smoky notes, rounded tannins, and a rustic but satisfying finish. Best enjoyed now, it represents one of the standout wines of the late 1990s for Clerc Milon.

The Wine Advocate | RP 89
Published: Jan 30, 2014
Drink: 2014-2018

A blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 9% Cabernet Franc, the 1997 has a peppermint nose that is fresh, but simple. The palate is well balanced and more advanced than the 1996 with leather, incense and game notes infused the red fruit profile, whilst the finish is a little grainy and rustic. Drinking perfectly well now, I would not be inclined to leave this more than another six or seven years, nevertheless it should be considered a great success. It is better than either 1998 or 1999! Drink now-2018. Tasted April 2013.

Chateau-clerc-milon.com

1997, Complex aromas and flavours underpinned by well-rounded tannins.

Climatic Conditions
The year began with dry and warm weather, bringing much higher than normal average temperatures from the end of January and causing the vine to bud at the very beginning of March.

Flowering took place evenly across the different varieties, and mid-flowering was reached between 20 and 24 May. Mid-veraison was reached between 24 July and 1 August, 15 days earlier than usual, though at different times according to the grape variety. August was hot and humid, almost tropical, with 100% humidity on 3 days, but appropriate disease and pest control measures ensured that the crop remained in excellent condition. However, these unusual weather conditions halted the ripening process.

With the grapes ripening unevenly, it was necessary to wait until they reached optimum maturity in order to ensure a high-quality harvest. Fortunately, the weather turned fine again in September.

Tasting Notes
The wine is densely coloured, with a slightly brickish tint, while the particularly complex nose reveals scents of wilted flowers, incense and tobacco, mingled with more fleeting blackberry and humus aromas.

Sweetness on the palate is combined with well-rounded tannins.

The finely balanced, supple structure and the combination of smoky notes with wild berry fruit show that this Clerc Milon is now fully mature.

Varietal mix 1997 Vintage
53%    Cabernet Sauvignon
33%    Merlot
9%    Cabernet Franc
5%    Petit Verdot