Chateau Duhart Milon Rothschild   Duhart Milon Rothschild

2018 Duhart-Milon Rothschild

By Chateau Duhart-Milon Rothschild

2018 Duhart-Milon Rothschild from Chateau Duhart-Milon Rothschild, Pauillac, Bordeaux

The heralded 2018 vintage of the Pauillac appellation produced expressions that seasoned oenophiles and astute fine wine investors are wont to elucidate upon with a sense of excitement. None more so than the 2018 Duhart-Milon Rothschild from Chateau Duhart-Milon Rothschild. A vintage that navigated a climatic odyssey to present a wine of distinguished character.

 

Climatic Mastery and Oenological Artistry

Despite an onset that bespoke a challenging year with its wet spring, 2018 unfurled into a summer of bountiful sunshine, hence laying the groundwork for what culminated in illustrious expression through meticulously tended vines. The result was a harmonious blend, predominantly of Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot, exuding the classicism of Pauillac with a vivacious twist unique to this year.

 

A Vintage Defined by Balance and Elegance

The 2018 Duhart-Milon Rothschild encapsulates the balance between power and finesse which only Bordeaux's best terroirs can cultivate. With an olfactory tapestry rich in blackcurrant, graphite, and subtle hints of tobacco leaf, the bouquet alone intimates at the wine’s investment-worthy pedigree. Upon the palate, the wine unfurls layers of dark fruit intertwined with an elegant tannic structure – a testament to an exceptional harvest negotiating contrasts between early dampness and succeeding warmth.

Sleek and sophisticated, this vintage evinces longevity – a pivotal trait for collectors looking for wines to mature gracefully. Structurally sound yet delicate in its tactile presence, it is clear that the 2018 vintage distinguishes itself frugally from its predecessors at Chateau Duhart-Milon Rothschild.

For connoisseurs discerning enough to perceive potential at its nascence, the 2018 Duhart-Milon Rothschild represents an investable commodity that promises not only gustatory delight but also appreciative value over time. The reticulation of climate, craft, and cabernet articulates a narrative within each bottle; one well worth reading now or years hence.

In summation, the 2018 Duhart-Milon Rothschild from Chateau Duhart-Milon Rothschild captures an extraordinary moment in winemaking - one where resilience met opportunity and birthed a nuanced Pauillac destined for renown amongst savants and investors alike.

Market price (SGD)

$880.00

12x75cl

Highest score

95

POP score

35.33

Scores and tasting notes

95-96

This is a very powerful Duhart with blackcurrant and blackberry character. Lots of graphite and black tea. Full-bodied and muscular with lots of formed muscles and great length. Could be best ever?

James Suckling - jamessuckling.com - April 2019

95

A wine that is often austere during En Primeur but is here showing its seductive side with a generous texture lending a wonderful richness through the palate giving it the feel of a 2009, although clearly loaded with tannins, but of a softer style than 2010 or 2016. It has a juiciness rippling with bramble fruit on the attack, then the herb, slate and liquorice root come in through the mid-palate adding complexity and gravitas. Harvest took place between 17 September and 4 October. 73IPT.

Jane Anson - Decanter - April 2019

93-95

The 2018 Duhart-Milon is composed of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot, with the Cabernet Sauvignon harvested September 25 to October 4 and the Merlot harvested September 17-25, and it has 14% alcohol. Deep garnet-purple colored, it leaps from the glass with exuberant notes of Black Forest cake, plum preserves and crème de cassis with hints of spice cake, woodsmoke, potpourri and eucalyptus. Full-bodied, rich and laden with layers of black fruit preserves and spices, it has a velvety texture and just enough freshness, finishing long. Very impressive—the densest, most opulent Duhart I have tasted!

Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 23 April 2019

90-93

Generous in feel, with a light herb note darting amid the rich plum and cassis fruit flavors. Displays the weighty fruit of the vintage, with a background of warm earth and tar details on the finish.—J.M.

James Molesworth - Wine Spectator - April 2019

88-90

The 2018 Duhart-Milon is a dense, powerful wine. Black cherry, licorice, dark spice, coffee, gravel and grilled herbs add to an impression of gravitas and brooding power. In 2018, Duhart-Milon is a wine of vertical build and intensity. The elevated ripeness of the vintage is very much in evidence in the wine's flavor profile and richness. It will be interesting to see how the 2018 develops during élevage. The blend is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot.

Antonio Galloni - Vinous - April 2019

Vintage performance