Château Duhart-Milon 2025

Château Duhart-Milon sits to the north of AOC Pauillac in the Médoc and is owned by Château Lafite Rothschild. Its vineyards rest on the deep gravel ridges typical of the appellation, soils that drain freely and reflect heat, helping the Cabernet Sauvignon reach full ripeness while keeping the fruit fresh and structured. The wine is a Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blend, the Cabernet supplying tannin and dark fruit, the Merlot rounding the mid palate. After fermentation it ages for 14 months in 225 litre French oak barrels, where the wood softens the tannins through slow oxidation and adds cedar, tobacco and a hint of cocoa. The colour is deep and dark. On the nose it shows ripe blackberry and plum with redcurrant and a savoury edge of tobacco and earth. The palate is firm and structured, with concentrated fruit, fine tannins and a long, mineral finish that reflects the gravel terroir. It drinks well now with air and will reward several years in the cellar. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees and decant an hour ahead. It suits red meats and game.