Château Duhart-Milon : Moulin de Duhart 2016

The fullness and aromatic richness of a Pauillac Second Wine

The estate

In the heart of the Pauillac appellation, Château Duhart-Milon is a perfect example of this appellation. This 4th Classified Growth of Pauillac was founded in the 18th century under the impetus of the Lafite family, who covered Pauillac with vines at that time.

The vineyard

Château Duhart Milon reigns over a 76-hectare vineyard located to the west of Château Lafite-Rothschild. The soils are composed of fine gravel and windblown sand, resting upon tertiary limestone subsoils.

The wine

The second wine of Château Duhart-Milon, Moulin de Duhart is a Pauillac wine that stems from a rigorous selection of younger-than-average vines. This wine takes its name from an old mill on the Carruades plateau, which is adjacent to the Château Duhart-Milon vineyard.

The vintage

A rainy and cool spring preceded a gloomy and cold month of June. Despite these unstable weather conditions, the flowering period was uniform. The hot and dry conditions during the summer increased the risk of water stress, which did not affect the vineyard thanks to its cool and late terroir. The rainy spells in mid-September saved the vineyard and the ripening process until the harvest.

Vinification and ageing

Traditional vinification with destemming and crushing before fermentation in cement or stainless steel vats. Maceration for 10 days. Malolactic fermentation before a 12-month ageing in second-fill French oak barrels.

The blend

Merlot (79%)

Cabernet Sauvignon (21%).

Moulin de Duhart 2016: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Colour

The colour is a beautiful dark red.

Nose

Fresh and discreet, the nose blends fruity fragrances (red fruit, blackcurrant) with harmonious woody flavours.

Palate

An ample and soft attack precedes a full and rich mouth, with round and silky tannins.

Cellaring

This Moulin de Duhart 2016 can be cellared until around 2024.