Blueberry, chocolate and stone aromas with undertones of flowers follow through to a full body, cream tannins and a clean finish. Concentrated for the vintage. Pure fruit. Needs three to four years to soften.

This is another strong effort from the Mouton Rothschild stable and its excellent administrator Philippe Dhalluin. The 2012 Clerc Milon has an almost blackish-blue opaque color, soft tannins, ripe notes of blackcurrants, licorice and subtle background oak. There is an attractive floral, licorice quality to the fruit. The wine is medium to full-bodied and beautifully pure with ripe tannin. It is soft enough to be approachable in several years and should drink well for 20.

Now firmly in its new cellars, Clerc-Milon's wine is performing at the top of its form. This is a dense wine with juicy acidity as well as sweet tannins and ripe blackberry fruits. They give a ripe wine that is finely structured. The juicy aftertaste, typical of this vintage, is appealing although it does not detract from its power and longevity.

Tightly wound, but with an ample core of blackberry and black currant fruit waiting in reserve, accented by lively briar and singed spice notes. Reveals good, graphite-edged grip through the finish, with a hint of cassis bush at the very end. Should unwind nicely in the cellar.