Chateau Duhart-MilonProducer from Bordeaux, France

Pauillac, Bordeaux
Bordeaux 1855 Classification: Fourth Growth

Château Duhart-Milon is one of the most esteemed estates in Pauillac, known for producing wines of remarkable structure, depth, and ageing potential. As a Fourth Growth in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, Duhart-Milon is recognized for its consistent quality and classic expression of the Pauillac terroir. With a history that spans several centuries and a close association with the Rothschild family, Château Duhart-Milon is a true gem of the Left Bank.

History of Château Duhart-Milon

The history of Château Duhart-Milon dates back to the early 18th century when the estate was first established. The property was originally part of the larger Lafite estate before being separated into its own entity. The name "Duhart" is believed to have come from a pirate who retired to the Médoc, while "Milon" refers to a nearby hamlet.

The estate gained prominence in the 19th century, earning its Fourth Growth status in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification. However, by the early 20th century, the estate had fallen into decline. It wasn’t until 1962, when the Rothschild family, owners of Château Lafite Rothschild, acquired Duhart-Milon that the estate began its resurgence. Under the Rothschild family’s stewardship, significant investments were made in the vineyard and winery, restoring Duhart-Milon to its former glory.

The Terroir of Château Duhart-Milon

The terroir of Château Duhart-Milon is one of its most defining features, contributing to the unique character and quality of its wines. The estate’s 76 hectares of vineyards are located on a gravelly ridge in Pauillac, where the soils are a mix of deep gravel, clay, and limestone. These well-drained soils are ideal for cultivating Cabernet Sauvignon, the dominant grape variety at Duhart-Milon, along with Merlot.

The vineyard is planted with 67% Cabernet Sauvignon and 33% Merlot. This blend reflects the estate’s commitment to producing wines that are both powerful and balanced, with Cabernet Sauvignon providing structure and tannic backbone, and Merlot adding richness and roundness.

The unique combination of soils, exposure, and grape varieties allows Château Duhart-Milon to produce wines that are both elegant and robust, with a remarkable ability to age gracefully over decades.

Winemaking at Château Duhart-Milon

Winemaking at Château Duhart-Milon is a meticulous process that combines tradition with innovation. The grapes are hand-harvested and undergo rigorous sorting to ensure that only the finest fruit is used in the winemaking process. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, allowing for precise control over the extraction of flavours and tannins.

The wines are then aged in French oak barrels for 14 to 16 months, with about 50% new oak used each year. This ageing process enhances the wines' complexity and depth, allowing the tannins to soften and the flavours to integrate harmoniously. The result is a wine that is both approachable in its youth and capable of developing greater complexity and nuance over time.