This attractive, medium-bodied Pauillac reveals tough tannins as well as hints of herbs and underbrush. A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc and the rest Carmenere and Petit Verdot, it was angular when I tasted it in March, and, like many Medocs, it seems to err on the side of austerity and the lack of mid-palate charm. Its upbringing in barrel will help somewhat, but just how much remains to be seen. 87-89 points

The Clerc Milon 2012 was tasted on two visits to the property, several days apart. It is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon (the highest percentage for 15 years and picked ten days later than the usual date), 29% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot, 1% Carmenere and 9% Cabernet Franc picked between 1st and 16th October. It is matured in 40-45% new oak. Immediately, the aromatics are much more convincing than the d’Armailhac with ebullient ripe blackberry, raspberry and tobacco aromas that are well defined and vigorous. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, supple tannins and well integrated new oak that is in synch with the fruit. This is a superb Clerc-Milon for the vintage with a silky smooth, harmonious finish. Excellent. 91-93 points

Lovely, intense colour. Fruity, ripe nose. Refined attack. Ripe and spicy. It is fruity and caressing on the palate, developing to be fragrant with good corpulence, taste, fruit and fine tannins. Lovely, charming length. Blend. 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc and 1% Carmeneyre. Yield. 33 hectolitres per hectare due to drought. 90 points