Chateau Duhart Milon 2017 – 1.5 Litre

A blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon and 37% Merlot, it displays an inky/blue/purple colour as well as a big, sweet nose of creme de cassis, forest floor, liqorice, lead pencil, cedar and subtle barrique smells. Viscous and full-bodied, it is the most concentrated and broadest example of this cuvee I have tasted in over three decades. It will last for three decades or more. Consumers looking to maximize value should be checking out Duhart Milon, as this may be the single smartest purchase in this great and historic vintage!

96 Points – James Suckling This is classical in style with lead pencil and sweet tobacco to the currant and plum undertones. Warm and cool at the same time. Full-bodied, tight and reserved with very polished, creamy tannins. It goes on and on. Compact, creamy texture. Try after 2023.

94 Points – Decanter A brilliantly elegant, suave Duhart, one of the successes of the appellation for me. This is a classically structured Duhart, a wine that is not overly exuberant but that has a sense of direction and balance, and is well held together. There’s a very attractive quality to the tannins, joined by dark bilberry fruits that gain weight through the palate. It doesn’t quite have the dense concentration and richness of 2016, but that was an exceptional vintage. This is a wine that I look forward to following as it ages. Around 5% frost on the northwest corner, affecting the Merlot for the second wine (not tasted). But overall the vintage was so early that even though the September rains probably brought alcohol levels down a touch, they did not unduly worry as the fruit was already ripe enough.

93 Points – Wine Enthusiast This structured wine has the freshest fruit, crisp with black currants. The core of dryness is important, bringing out density to balance the light touch at the back of the wine. Drink from 2023

93 Points – Wine Spectator Features an alluring perfume, with singed alder, warmed currant preserve and smoldering bay leaf notes forming the core. Dark earth and mulled fig flavors fill in through the finish. A solid bolt of iron keeps everything moving in the same direction. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2022 through 2038.

92 Points – Jeb Dunnuck The 2017 Chateau Duhart-Milon is terrific, offering tons of Pauillac character in its smoked tobacco, blackcurrant, new leather, and spicy, earthy aromas and flavors. Rich, medium to full-bodied, and beautifully textured, it has the forward, elegant, classic style of the vintage and will continue drinking beautifully for 20-25 years or more. Its a hidden gem in the vintage Id be thrilled to have in the cellar.

91 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate A blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon and 24% Merlot, the 2017 Duhart-Milon is beautifully scented of crushed red and black currants, black raspberries and spice cake with suggestions of lavender, cloves and rose hip tea. The palate is medium-bodied, very soft and elegant with seamless freshness and a lingering spiciness on the finish.

91 Points – Wilfred Wong of Wine The 2017 Chteau Duhart-Milon is a classic and first-rate Pauillac. This wine shines with aromas and flavors of black fruit with shading of oak. Enjoy it with BBQ beef kebabs.