A historic property in the Médoc region of France, Château Duhart-Milon is named for the Sieur of Duhart, a gunrunner to Louis XIV who once owned the land, and for the tiny hamlet of Milon, which stands on a knoll separating this vineyard from that of Château Lafite. Classified as a Fourth Growth estate, the Château was acquired in 1962 by the Rothschild family, which has devoted considerable resources to returning the wine to its former glory.

Tasting notes

91-94 points Wine Spectator: Intense aromas of currant and blackberry, with hints of toasted oak and flowers. Full-bodied, with thick and powerful tannins that are polished and racy. A persistent young wine. —J.S. 94-96 points Robert Parker: 2009 may turn out to be among the greatest vintages ever in the Medoc. The 2009 appears to be the finest Duhart Milon yet made. The Rothschild family has invested heavily in this estate over the last 20 years in order to upgrade the quality, and their investments have certainly paid off handsomely. A blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon and 37% Merlot, the 2009's opaque purple color is followed by an extraordinary perfume of creme de cassis, violets, graphite, and subtle wood. This full-bodied, intense, voluptuously textured, pure, seductive wine seems more open-knit and opulent than the more structured Carruades de Lafite. Nevertheless, the Duhart requires 3-5 years of cellaring, and should drink well for 30+ years. Bravo!

Rating

Wine Spectator 94 points This takesa fleshy, rather toasty approach, showing roasted plum and black currant fruit, with a smoked mesquite note on the loam-tinged finish. There’s more breadth than depth, but this has the latent minerality to last a long time in the cellar. Best from 2015 through 2027.—J.M.