1989 Chateau Clerc Milon Pauillac Cinquieme Cru 1x750ml

Robert Parker 92

I thought this would be drinking now but the nose and the palate were still quite backward, probably requiring another year or so to enter the drinking plateau. Quite an earthy nose, smoked black fruits which also come through on the palate. There is not actually much difference to Mouton Rothschild! Surprisingly tannic and muscular – this could last another decade with ease. Very impressive but too early now! Tasted July 2003. [01/07/2003]

Anticipated maturity: 1991-2010

Vinous 91

The 1989 Clerc-Milon is a vintage that I have not tasted for 15 years. It offers more fruit than the 1989 d’Armailhac, displaying notes of black currant, melted tar and graphite, and just a little herbaceousness creeping in with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with rounded, dusky black fruit laced with Chinese tea, bay leaf and a touch of licorice. There is a richness emanating from the hot summer, and a slight lack of delineation toward the finish, but it also plenty of muscle and presence and an appealing hickory aftertaste. Tasted from an ex-cellar bottle at the château. [Neal Martin, 10/09/2019]

Anticipated maturity: 2019-2025