Chateau Clerc Milon Rothschild 2008

WINE ENTHUSIAST: "The wine is dark, deep, rich and dense. It has just the right wood element, black berry juice and a pure line of acidity. It is weighty for a 2008, while keeping the freshness."

DECANTER: "2008 was not quite at the level of brilliance we see from Clerc Milon today, but this is an excellent wine nonetheless. It opens and uncurls to reveal lush and dense black fruits with a roasted coffee bean edge. It's not at the cold ash stage yet, but has certainly developed glowing embers and a gentle hint of tobacco leaf. There is succulence to the finish, and the tannins are still evident in that squeeze of acidity. Drinking Window 2018 - 2034."

JAMES SUCKLING: "A delicate and more friendly style of Clerc with lovely fruit and tannins. It’s very balanced and refined. Very integrated tannins. Best after 2013."

WEINWISSER: "Recht dunkles Granat mit lila Schimmer. Verhaltenes Bouquet, warme Ausstrahlung, dunkle Röstnoten, Schokonuancen und recht viel Pflaumen, sogar gewisse Dörrfrucht- und Darjeelingnoten. Im Gaumen fleischig und fett, im Extrakt Pralinen zeigend, runde, mürb-trockene Tannine mit Schokobitternoten und gutem Rückhalt. Könnte die 18/20 schaffen."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Starting to show just a hint of lightening in the color, the wine is medium bodied, fresh, soft and offers its red fruit and licorice with ease. Classic in style, with a reserved character, you can drink this now, or age it a few more years to gain more nuances to accompany all that fresh, juicy, tobacco filled cassis."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "The dense ruby/purple-tinged 2008 Clerc Milon offers attractive aromas of toast, black currants and forest floor. Deep, full-bodied, rich, elegant and moderately tannic, this impressively endowed 2008 is an outstanding success from the Mouton Rothschild staff (who are responsible for making this wine). It will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age and should drink well for 15 years."

WINE SPECTATOR: "This offers a solid, structured core of red currant, cherry skin and fig notes, laced with savory herb, violet and light-handed toast. There's nice cut on the iron-tinged finish, with some depth in reserve for the cellar. Drink now through 2016."