2016 Chateau Duhart-Milon, Pauillac, Bordeaux - 750ml

94 Points – Wine Enthusiast

A Fourth Growth of the 1855 Classification, Château Duhart-Milon occupies an important position in Pauillac and has been under the same Rothschild family ownership as Château Lafite Rothschild since 1962. The excellent 2016 vintage produced a classically proportioned Duhart-Milon, combining Cabernet-driven restraint and freshness with sufficient depth for long-term development.

Blend: 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot.

Tasting Notes: Blackcurrant, black cherry and plum lead into cedar, graphite and tobacco, with violet, savory herbs and subtle earthy notes emerging with air. The palate is focused and composed rather than opulent, with dark fruit, mineral detail and finely textured tannins carrying into a persistent, distinctly Pauillac finish.

Structure: Medium to full-bodied, with firm but polished tannins and fresh acidity giving the wine a classical profile. Cabernet Sauvignon provides the backbone and mineral character, while Merlot contributes flesh through the mid-palate; the overall impression is one of balance and restraint rather than sheer weight.

Drink Window: 2026–2045. The 2016 is entering an attractive early drinking phase but remains youthful, particularly in its tannic structure. It should gain greater cedar, tobacco and savory complexity over the next decade while retaining enough freshness for extended cellaring.

Decanting: If opening now, decant for approximately 60–90 minutes to allow the aromatics and youthful structure to relax. Serve around 60–64°F in a generous Bordeaux glass.

The 2016 Duhart-Milon is particularly compelling for drinkers who prefer classical Pauillac over a more extracted modern style. Its combination of a strong vintage, classified-growth pedigree and developing maturity makes it equally suitable for the cellar or the dinner table today, particularly with roast lamb, prime beef, duck or mushroom-based dishes.