Château Duhart-Milon : Moulin de Duhart 2017

The complexity and elegance 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 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 relatively mild winter preceded a spring marked by frost on the nights of April 26th and 27th, affecting 5 hectares of the vineyard. Thereafter, the mild conditions alternated with balanced rainfall, favouring early flowering and fruit setting. This head start was slowed down due to the combination of heavy rainfall and cold temperatures. Ripening is slow and even until mid-September.

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 French oak second-fill barrels.

The blend

Merlot (62%)

Cabernet sauvignon (38%).

Moulin de Duhart 2017: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Colour

Brilliant, the colour is a beautiful red.

Nose

Expressive, the nose blends fruity and subtle caramelised fragrances.

Palate

Silky and delicate, the palate is seduced throughout the tasting due to this wine’s balance and roundness. The finish is persistent and harmonious.