2024 Château Duhart-Milon Pauillac Grand Cru Classé

Château Duhart Milon is located in the Pauillac appellation, to the west of Château Lafite-Rothschild. The château currently has over 70 hectares of vineyards. The soil is very typical of the region and contains a mixture of fine gravel, sand, and limestone. Combined with the mild climate, this is an ideal location for Cabernet Sauvignon, which is the most important grape here. In addition, the château uses Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The average age of the vines is over 30 years.

The close collaboration with neighbor Château Lafite-Rothschild has led to a tremendous boost in quality. Typical characteristics include: low yields, manual harvesting, classic vinification, and a great sensitivity to the individual character of a vintage. This results in very high-quality wines that reflect the special character of the Pauillac appellation: a combination of power, elegance, and a unique aging potential. The wine ages in oak barrels sourced from the estate's own cooperage. Vinification for this wine takes place through controlled fermentation in tanks before aging in barriques. Depending on the vintage, this aging lasts 10 to 18 months.

The Duhart-Milon is a blend of the typical Pauillac composition of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Merlot and is deep purple-red in color, transitioning to garnet to brownish-red. It has a powerful, richly nuanced aroma with notes of black cherry, blackberry, and cedar, and a beautiful touch of oak. Full, firm on the palate, very smooth texture, and a complex fruity taste with earthy notes, playful tannins, freshness from the Cabernet, and an impressive length. The wine is at its best when the Merlot has fully ripened, as this gives the wine those Merlot tannins, acidity, and vegetal notes that provide extra complexity. The vineyard borders that of Château Lafite Rothschild (same owners), and Lafite's refined elegance is almost always present in Duhart-Milon, along with spicy oak, vanilla, and tobacco notes. The cellars are located at the Pauillac waterfront. Of the vats used there, 33% to 40% are new.

FUN FACT: In the 'Attachments' tab, you will find the official factsheet for this fine wine. We will automatically send this to you upon ordering this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you come to collect the wine, you will often receive a nice discount . You will see your discount immediately when you select 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht, almost next to the A16, with ample parking. Click here for our address.

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1. Entrecote with red wine jus and roasted vegetables

Why this pairs well: The firm tannins of this Pauillac call for a protein-rich dish. Entrecote offers fat and umami that soften the tannins, while a sauce based on red wine and roasted vegetables underscores the earthy notes in the wine. The roasted flavors complement the oak usage in the wine beautifully.

2. Rack of lamb with rosemary and garlic

Why this pairs well: Lamb is a classic match with Pauillac. The spicy marinade accentuates the spiciness in the wine, while the juicy, slightly fatty meat beautifully balances the wine's structure. The combination brings out both the fruitiness and the mineral notes of the wine.

3. Risotto with mushrooms and Parmesan

Why this pairs: Mushrooms add umami, which opens up the wine and makes it more accessible. The creaminess of the risotto contrasts pleasantly with the tannins, and the cheese brings a salty complexity that pairs well with the ripe fruit notes and the use of oak in the wine.

4. Beef stew with bay leaf and cloves

Why this pairs well: Slow-cooked beef allows the wine's structure to shine through without overpowering it. The deep, spicy flavors from the stew bring out the wine's complexity, while the juiciness keeps everything in balance.

5. Wood pigeon with blackcurrant compote and parsnip purée

Why this works: This combination plays on the dark fruit notes and the gamey character of the wine. The berry compote enhances the cassis profile of the Pauillac, while the earthy parsnip accentuates the mineral undertones.

6. Veal tongue in Madeira sauce with truffle potatoes

Why this pairs: The silky texture of veal tongue pairs beautifully with the refinement of the wine, while the powerful Madeira sauce reflects its robust character. Truffle potato adds a luxurious earthy touch that perfectly complements the complexity of this Grand Cru Classé.