An expressive and mature Pauillac, revealing aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry and raspberry, complemented by graphite, cedar, liquorice, tobacco and earthy nuances. The palate is medium to full-bodied, with fine-grained tannins, fresh acidity and concentrated dark fruit. Subtle savoury notes and well-integrated oak add complexity, leading to a structured, elegant finish with classic Pauillac character.

The Wine Advocate | RP 94
Published: May 2, 2011
Drink: 2011-2036

A magnificent sleeper of the vintage, the 2008 Duhart Milon is the shrewd consumer?s wine to purchase by the case as prices do not yet reflect its qualitative resurgence. Composed of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon and 27% Merlot that came in at 13.09% alcohol, it is a surprisingly intense effort displaying a marvelous texture, plenty of black currant, licorice, unsmoked cigar tobacco and earthy characteristics, a full-bodied mouthfeel and stunning purity as well as density. Enjoy this top-notch 2008 over the next 20-25 years. 

James Suckling | JS 92
Published: Dec 19, 2010

Lead pencil and tobacco with licorice and currants. Full and super refined with a currants and light spice character. Open and refined and delicious bottle already.

Lafite.com

73% Cabernet Sauvignon and 27% Merlot
The growing season was closely monitored, coming after a severe winter and some spring frost. Flowering was not very productive, constant humidity favoured disease and the summer was moderately warm. Fortunately, September was fine and so it was possible to wait for the grapes to fully ripen, with late harvests.

TASTING NOTES (AT BOTTLING)
Expressive, heady, open nose. Notes of very ripe, very red fruit. Excellent body, after a fine complex attack. Very rounded, long finish, with a touch of spice.

Technical Specs

Alcohol: 13.09% ABV
Closure: Natural Cork
Harvest/Vintage: 2008; Cabernet Sauvignon harvested from 8–15 October, with Merlot picked approximately one week earlier
Oak: Aged for approximately 14 months in French oak barrels, with 50% new oak.
Varietals: 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot
Farming/Vineyard: Château Duhart-Milon's vineyards in Pauillac, covering approximately 76 hectares. The estate's gravel-rich soils, with a clay and limestone subsoil, provide excellent drainage and favour Cabernet Sauvignon.
Winemaking: Grapes are carefully sorted and fermented in temperature-controlled concrete and stainless-steel vats, with gentle pump-overs to optimise extraction. Maceration lasts approximately 20 days, followed by malolactic fermentation and ageing in French oak barrels.
Winemaker/Producer: Château Duhart-Milon, Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite)
Region/Appellation: Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
Classification: Fourth Growth – Grand Cru Classé, 1855 Classification

Serving Temperature: 16–18°C
Decanting: 45–60 minutes; gentle decanting is recommended to reveal its complexity while preserving its mature aromas
Food Pairing: Roast lamb, grilled ribeye, beef Wellington, venison, duck breast, game dishes, wild mushrooms and mature hard cheeses