Château Duhart Milon Pauillac 2012

This classified fourth growth estate is owned by the Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) family and consists of a large vineyard in Pauillac. Planted to 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc, the average age of the vines is 30 years. The wine typically spends 14-16 months in barrels with 50% new oak and is bottled without filtration. Parker reports: 'Since 1982, the wines of Duhart-Milon have been very good to excellent. Close in style to their stablemates of Lafite, they represent fairly good values in today's marketplace. Duhart-Milon clearly merits its classification and could be upgraded to third growth status. The style veers toward the balanced elegance and finesse school of winemaking exemplified by this estate's big sister, Lafite Rothschild.'

There is some woodiness, but it is a very refined influence and balanced with the fruit. The powerful attack makes way for a rounded, full-bodied mid-palate before finishing on fresh, slightly spicy notes that are still a little intense. This wine will age very well in the cellar.