The progression of this property continues to be evident in the glass with a beautiful classicism, full of life and layers comprising dark spice and touches of black pepper against blueberry and cool fruits, pumped up by black chocolate and liquorice. It’s confident and clearly has a fierce quality to the tannins giving a long life ahead of it. The harvest started on September 17, one week later than Mouton because of its cooler terroir, with the blend completed by 3% Petit Verdot and 1% Carmanère. This is the last vintage with Jean-Emmanuel Donjoy at the helm as he’s making his way over to Mouton-Rothschild to work alongside Philippe Dhalluin. A tough gig to turn down of course, but I will miss the work he has done here and look forward to seeing what his successor will add. Drink 2026 - 2040. 96 points

60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot, 1% Carmenère; 50% new oak. Very dark cherry colour. Beautifully aromatic – not just pure black fruit but tea leaf and a touch floral. Silky and fresh, elegant in its texture. Juicy and fresh on the finish and much more open than the Armailhac just tasted, the tannins not as thick. 17 points

The 2018 Clerc Milon is composed of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot and 1% Carménère. Grapes were harvested a bit later here than at Mouton, from September 17 to October 10. Deep garnet-purple colored, it leaps from the glass with bold scents of warm cassis, blackberry compote and dark chocolate with hints of Morello cherries, baking spices and dried roses plus a waft of underbrush. It has a wonderfully rich, confidently sensuous palate with plenty of spicy layers and a velvety texture, finishing long and perfumed. This should age incredibly. 93-95 points

The 2018 Clerc Milon is laced with generous dark fruit, chocolate, licorice and gravel, all of which give the wine its distinct aromatic inflections. Pow erful and tannic, the 2018 is going to need at least a few years to come into its own, but it is quite promising. The Cabernet Sauvignon is particularly expressive at this stage. Clerc Milon is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot and 1% Carmenère. 91-93 points

Here we have a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot and 1% Carmenère, all picked between September 17th and October 10th. The alcohol is 14.1%. This shows a superb combination of sweetly perfumed fruit and grilled energy, pure with chalk dust, mineral limestone, black cherry and currant fruits, all in a very elegant frame. The palate is magnificent, polished and broad, filled with tightly defined fruits, dark and grippy, with a grilled intensity but no shortage of freshness and acidity. An impressive finish, brimming with tannin, and no shortage of impact. A pure, cool and energetic style, with great substance. This has to be one of the best Clerc-Milons for years. Tasted twice. The élevage will be in 50% new and 50% second-fill oak. 94-96 points